Tens of thousands of sharks are seen migrating along the Florida coast

Beachgoers told to stay OUT of the water as tens of thousands of sharks are seen migrating along the Florida coast

By Daily Mail Reporter
PUBLISHED: 17:19 EST, 6 March 2013 | UPDATED: 18:36 EST, 6 March 2013

Tens of thousands of sharks have been spotted along South Florida's coast, closing down beaches across the area and forcing swimmers out of the water.

The sharks are heading north after migrating to the south for the winter in such droves that experts believe swimmers could be within 60 feet of a shark while in the water in the Palm Beach area.

Several beaches have been closed to swimmers as red flags dot the sand.

Craig Pollock, a lifeguard superviser at Midtown Beach, told the Palm Beach Daily News that Tuesday was the the first day he has seen the sharks out in such massive numbers.

'We got here this morning and they were thick, really thick,' he said on Tuesday. 'They were frenzied and chasing bait all the way up to shore. They were practically right on the sand.'

Dr. Stephen Kajiura, an associate professor of biology at Florida Atlantic University, researches shark migration and has been monitoring sharks across Palm Beach County since 2011.

'Coming into March, we're getting tens of thousands of sharks close to shore,' he said. 'In one flight from the Boca Raton Inlet to the Jupiter Inlet, we counted over 15,000 sharks less than 200 yards from shore.

'That's 1,000 sharks per square kilometer. If you were a swimmer, you would probably be within 60 feet of a shark.'

Even though they were clothed and on the shore, gawkers were still only feet away from the sharks
Even though they were clothed and on the shore, gawkers were still only feet away from the sharks

A RARE THREAT: SHARK ATTACKS IN FLORIDA'S CLEAR WATERS

Dr. Stephen Kajiura, an associate professor of biology at Florida Atlantic University, said the sharks are likely to keep away from the swimmers thanks to the clear waters along the south Florida coast.

In the 130 years between 1882 to 2012, there have been 663 shark attacks in Florida and 11 fatalities. Across the U.S., there have been 1,022 attacks since 1670 and a total of 36 deaths.

There has never been a fatal attack in Palm Beach County, where the sharks have been seen this week.

Most shark attacks across the state occur in July, August, September and October.

The most commonly spotted sharks are spinners and blacktips, but the team has also observed hammerheads, tigers, lemons and bulls.

They will distribute along the East Coast as far north as North Carolina, he said.

Kajiura added that when he flies over the areas, he can see swimmers close to the sharks, yet said the animals are unlikely to bite anyone.

'For the most part, Palm Beach County is fortunate because we have nice clear water usually,' he said.

'Sharks can see a person and distinguish it from prey.'


Dr. Robert Borrego, the trauma medical director at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, said he sees about five or six shark bites a year, and most are minor but susceptible to infections.

Experts say swimmers can protect themselves from being bitten by a shark by swimming along beaches where lifeguards are working.

Scientists say sharks are attracted to silver and the colors yellow and gold, so jewellery should be left on the shore.


The only suspected shark bite in the area so far this year was on February 10 when Cole Taschman, 16, was bitten on the hand while surfing near Chastain Beach. He needed 12 stitched.

Thousands of sharks seen migrating along the Florida coast | Mail Online
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