North Carolina Shark Attacks on the Rise, Possibly due to Shark Fishing

The shark attack frenzy just made another victim in the proximity of North Carolina victims, raising the number to at least six attacks in less than three weeks.

Alarmed by the increasing number of attacks in the North Carolina waters, officials suggest that one reason that might draw sharks so close to the shore is in fact shark fishing.

North Carolina beaches and piers are still permitted by law to fish for sharks. The activity has been banned in other locations that are known to be swarming with people during this period. The majority of these locations are scattered along the East Coast.

The reason why authorities are taking this cause into consideration is that several of the six reported incidents took place close to fishing piers. The chum and bait that is meant to attract fish obviously attracts sharks as well.

As they find more potential food sources in the water or perhaps because they perceive humans as a threat, the sharks attack. Authorities stated that the surge in North Carolina shark attacks during these weeks is not due to a higher number of sharks, but to a higher number of people entering the water.

As a result, North Carolina legislators are looking to ban shark fishing at least during the time of year when beaches are crowded with people looking to enjoy the water. Marie Levine, exec of the Shark Research Institute welcome the idea, stating that:

“If we fed bears in Yellowstone, people would be screaming”.

The truth of this statement is obvious. There is no need for extra risks to be added with the compromising practice of shark fishing, when summer brings about an increased possibility of shark attacks of the North Carolina beaches.

Of course, there are voices to the contrary. Louis Daniel, exec of North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries stated for the press that in his opinion fishing is not to blame. Quite the opposite.

Since commercial shark fishing was banned across the East Coast, Louis Daniel believes that a surge in shark population occurred. In turn, this sparks more and more shark attacks. His advice to people taking to North Carolina beaches is to not swim near the fishing piers.

Two of the latest shark attacks occurred on Friday and Saturday.

Friday saw a 47 year old man being attacked by a shark while swimming near a fishing pier in Avon, North Carolina. Both his lower back and right leg were severely injured in the attack.

The shark attack on Saturday took place near Waves, North Carolina and saw a 17 year old teenager have his hands, buttocks as well as his right calf damaged in the shark attack.

Thus, if you’re heading to a pleasant outing on the North Carolina beaches, proceed with caution. And as there are no bans on shark fishing yet, whether it is a cause of shark attacks or not, keep away from the fishing piers.

Image Source: thehorrorzine.com