Overview

• Global shark attacks in 2023 saw a significant increase in fatalities, doubling from the previous year with 10 deaths.
• Australia experienced a disproportionate number of these fatal attacks, accounting for 40% of deaths despite only 22% of unprovoked attacks occurring there.
• The overall number of unprovoked shark attacks worldwide rose to 69, slightly above the five-year average.
• Surfers and individuals engaging in board sports were the most common victims of shark attacks in 2023.
• Researchers emphasize that despite the uptick in shark attack fatalities, the risk of being bitten remains extremely low.