Global Shark Bites Return to Near-Average Levels in 2025, With Fewer Incidents in the U.S.

Following a sharp reduction in 2024, unprovoked shark bites worldwide returned to near-average levels in 2025, with a total of 65 incidents reported, slightly below the 10-year average of 72. However, the number of fatal attacks increased, raising concerns among ocean enthusiasts and researchers.

Worldwide Shark Bite Statistics for 2025

According to the Florida Museum of Natural History’s International Shark Attack File (ISAF), nine of the 65 unprovoked shark bites in 2025 resulted in fatalities, compared to the ten-year average of six. The ISAF, established in 1958, maintains the world’s only scientifically documented, comprehensive database of all known shark attacks.

U.S. And Australian Trends

The United States continues to be the region with the highest number of reported shark bites, accounting for 38% of incidents worldwide in 2025. However, this represents a marked decrease from recent years, when more than 50% of all bites occurred in U.S. Waters since 2019.

Australia followed with 32% of the world’s unprovoked bites and 56% of shark-related fatalities. Researchers suggest the increase in fatalities linked to white sharks in Australia may be due to the growing number of these sharks congregating near beaches popular with surfers.

Florida and California: Hotspots for Shark Encounters

Within the U.S., Florida consistently reports the most shark bites, with 11 incidents recorded in 2025. California, however, experienced the nation’s only unprovoked fatal shark attack in 2025. A 55-year-old triathlete was fatally attacked by a white shark off the coast of Monterey Bay.

Surfers at Higher Risk

The report highlights that surfers consistently face a higher risk of unprovoked shark bites, accounting for 32% of all incidents in 2025.

Understanding Shark Attacks

Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Program for Shark Research at the Florida Museum of Natural History, emphasizes the importance of the ISAF’s data. “The International Shark Attack Files provide baseline data about shark attacks on people that are rigorously and scientifically investigated, evaluated and summarized on an annual basis.”

It’s essential to remember that shark attacks remain statistically rare.