JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In a newly released study, The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk reports more sharks are swimming off the Southeast coast than ever before.
The increase in sharks comes as North Carolina set a record for shark attacks this summer. However, a University of Florida shark expert says they've recently been working to sustain the population of sharks and he says they're seeing success. On the other hand, Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue says they aren't marine biologists but, they haven't seen any type of increase in the number of shark attacks in recent years.
Greg Campbell and Victoria Barlett recently moved to Jacksonville Beach from Arkansas and they love the ocean. They try not to let the fear of sharks take away their love for the ocean but when they heard about the new study, it had them thinking twice about getting in the water.
"I guess one of the big things is knowing when they're closer to the shore like dusk and dawn, during the day they're out but, not as much,"
The newly released federal study shows a record number of sharks swimming off the coast from Florida to North Carolina. The new study shows researchers captured or tagged nearly 2,835 sharks from Florida to North Carolina in April and May. That compares with 1,831 sharks tagged in the most recent survey in 2012 -- a difference of nearly 1,000.
Shark expert George Burgess with the University of Florida says the study isn't surprising. He wants to remind people that when they enter the ocean, we're not residents but visitors to the sharks' natural environment.
"Now that shark populations are on the rise, we can expect the continued increase in the number of attacks not terribly to the point where we pull our hair out but enough that it will be noticeable because now there's more sharks to go along with more humans," said Burgess.
Pictures snapped Wednesday by Jacksonville resident, Bryn Dagostino showed several sharks swimming very close to the shore line in Ponte Vedra Beach.
Rob Emahiser with Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue says they don't have an accurate way to count sharks but, they haven't seen an increase in shark attacks in recent years. He says beachgoers just need to be vigilant and pay attention to lifeguards.
"Pay attention to them. If they're whistling or trying to get your attention or give you information; they're going to notice it first on top of the tower and has the experience to recognize and identify dangers of any kind," said Emahiser.
Some more advice he has include avoid swimming where you see fish. Whether it is bait fish from people fishing or pods of fish- sharks are hungry and looking to eat. Also, if you see an area where sea birds are constantly diving - avoid that area.