In the peak summer months, various tourists have spotted sharks in different areas across the globe, making them proceed with caution when they go for swimming.
In more than one instance, tourists have recorded appearances of sharks, but experts believe that there is nothing to be worried about.
According to them, there is a higher chance of people dying while trying to take a selfie, as opposed to being eaten by a shark.
Shark sightings
Numerous popular destinations have reported seeing a shark. One of these instances was on the 15th of June at the Aquamarina Beach, which is located in Orihuela Costa, Spain.
Another shark made an appearance at Menorca, a Spanish island, while a swimmer in Valencia reported being attacked by the fish.
Various locations in Greece, Croatia, and Portugal reported seeing sharks, as well.
However, Egypt had the most severe shark attack cases, especially one where a 24-year-old Russian died soon after the sea creature attacked him.
Just three months after this incident in Egypt, another woman was attacked, and she ended up losing her arm.
Moreover, two other women passed away on account of shark attacks that took place on the coast of Hurghada.
Experts speak out
Due to the various instances of shark sightings, many tourists have been on high alert when swimming in the Mediterranean waters.
On the other hand, experts on sharks believe that there is nothing to be worried about, as humans are not on the sea creature’s menu.
While shark appearances may have substantially risen, the generally reported number of attacks is still low.
In the words of a marine conservationist and biologist, Chrisos Taklis, in the past couple of years, no fatal shark attacks have been registered in the region.
He went on to add that the Mediterranean is one of the safest locations, in terms of shark encounters, across the globe.
Taklis also took to talking about why shark sightings have become more usual than before, saying that seasonal factors are responsible for the phenomenon, among various others.
He revealed that the summer months coincide with the birth of several shark species, such as blue and mako sharks.
Consequently, female sharks tend to migrate to shallower waters in order to give birth to their young ones or lay eggs, and thus, are temporarily present relatively close to the coast.
He believes that another reason why sharks are nearer to the shores is due to their natural instinct of pursuing prey.
Portugal
According to Visit Portugal, the official tourism website in the country, numerous tourists do not usually run into sharks.
It added that there are several species that reside in Portuguese waters throughout the year but are often sighted in the summer months.
The authority believes that sharks do not pose any threat to both, residents and foreign travelers.
Meanwhile, Tourism Ministries in Italy, Spain, and Greece have not commented on the matter.
Despite the numbers being low, some incidents in Greece have especially been reported to be fatal.
