The place known as the shark bite capital

Data from the Florida Museum's International Shark Attack File (ISAF), the world's only comprehensive database of all shark attacks, shows that Florida leads the list with 259 attacks from 2012 to 2021, far surpassing Australia in second place, Business Insider reported on September 24. However, Volusia County, home to popular beaches like Daytona and New Smyrna, on Florida's east coast, is known as the "shark bite capital of the world." It is the state's most vulnerable place for swimmers and surfers, with 343 shark bites recorded from 1882 to 2023, more than double the number of neighboring Brevard County, which ranked second, according to ISAF.

Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Shark Research Program, said the area off Volusia has high densities of mullet and sardines and plenty of high surf.

"The water flowing out of Ponce Bay, north of the area with the most shark bites, is always densely populated with bait fish. It's also a high-energy environment with lots of wave activity. The water churns up, reducing visibility and attracting surfers. Meanwhile, the bait fish attract sharks, but the poor visibility in the area makes it difficult to catch them, leading to sharks targeting arms or legs that stick out from the surfboard.

ISAF data shows the most vulnerable activity, location and time for shark attacks is surfing off Volusia County between 2 and 3 p.m. in September. Sharks prey on Volusia County waters and the most common species involved include blacktip, bull and Requiem sharks.

There have been seven shark bites reported in Volusia County so far in 2023. A surfer was bitten in the face in the waters off New Smyrna Beach on Sept. 12. Mark Summersett, 38, was attacked while surfing near the beach’s breakwater, according to Marine Lifeguard Captain Alex Miller.

An Khang (According to Business Insider )