A new overview of global shark attack hotspots has highlighted the regions with the highest number of incidents, following the documented sighting of a great white shark in the Mediterranean Sea.
The shark was recorded on video between Sicily and Tunisia in what was described as the first documented sighting of an adult great white shark in the area. The footage sparked concern among some Mediterranean travelers, but scientists stressed that there is no reason for panic.
Dr. Lauren Smith, a shark expert from the Saltwater Life organization, said the shark was spotted far from coastal resorts and that such encounters should inspire respect rather than fear.
“The ocean is their natural environment,” she said, adding that the presence of sharks does not mean beaches are unsafe.
Florida remains the world’s shark attack hotspot
According to data from the International Shark Files database, Florida remains the global center for shark attacks, recording 11 incidents in 2025 — about 17% of all unprovoked shark bites worldwide.
More than half of those cases occurred in Volusia County, on Florida’s eastern coast.
The database tracks only “unprovoked attacks,” meaning incidents where human activity did not influence the shark’s behavior. Cases involving activities such as spearfishing or attempts to free sharks from fishing equipment are excluded.
Australia records more dangerous incidents
The latest report showed that the previous year was unusually deadly for shark attacks. While 65 incidents were recorded worldwide — slightly below the 10-year average of 72 — nine proved fatal, compared with the usual average of six deaths.
The United States recorded the highest number of incidents with 25 cases, accounting for 38% of the global total. Australia followed with 21 attacks, above its five-year average of 13, and recorded the highest percentage of fatal incidents at 56%.
Experts say attacks in Australia are considered more dangerous due to the presence of the “big three” shark species: the bull shark, tiger shark and great white shark.
Great white sharks can reach up to six meters in length and have powerful jaws with serrated teeth. Even an exploratory bite can cause fatal injuries.
Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Program for Shark Research at the Florida Museum of Natural History, noted that Australia’s beach safety measures help reduce the number of victims, with rapid emergency responses often available. However, remote coastal locations can make immediate assistance more difficult.
Shark encounters remain rare
Despite public concern, experts emphasize that the chance of being bitten by a shark remains extremely low.
Globally, the number of unprovoked shark bites has remained relatively stable for decades, while average annual deaths remain around six.
At the same time, shark populations worldwide have declined significantly due to overfishing and climate change. Naylor noted that around 30% of the world’s approximately 1,200 shark species are considered threatened.
The report also highlighted that most injuries occurred during swimming or walking in shallow water (46%), followed by surfing (32%) and spearfishing or free diving (15%).
