This summer has observed an increased number of North
Carolina shark attacks. Seven instances have occurred, a number considerably
higher than the average of two and half a year in the previous ten summers. Scientists
have speculated that an earlier summer, hotter waters, higher salinity level in
seawater, and increased baitfish on the Carolina coast have combined to increase
shark numbers in this region.
The
government has resulted to handing out pamphlets warning the public of recent
events and informing them of the proper way to react if attacked. Once an
attack occurs officials close the beach for multiple days and many beaches have
added additional lifeguards to keep citizens safe. Ultimately, these solutions
are all flawed because sharks are unpredictable animals. The ocean is foremost
their home.
I believe
that vacationers should be notified of recent spikes in attacks and be
responsible for their own actions in the water. It is natural for shark trends
to change, as 2001 has also been known as the summer of the sharks (hundreds of
shark attacks occurred along the East Coast that year). It is my belief that
within a few years the shark attack proportions will return to the typical
level.
I agree with Bonnie that "vacationers should be notified and be responsible for their own actions". The more shark attacks that are put in media, the more the nation will be known of the issue. With that, I agree with Bonnie that people should be responsible for their own actions. Honestly you can't control sharks. With closing a beach after a shark attack, there are always other beaches close by. Sharks aren't predominantly at the same area, they have free reign of where they go. Personally I feel that closing the beach for a few days after is not really necessary because it should be up to our personal judgement if you go swimming in the ocean where a shark attack occurred. So I also feel that people should go in the ocean at their own risk. I do agree with Bonnie on her closing statement that "within a few years the shark attack proportions will return to the typical level".
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ReplyDeleteI agree with what Kathryn is saying. There is not an actual way to control sharks. The only thing that we can do is notify people and let them swim at their own risk. I agree with Bonnie about the ocean being sharks home first and foremost. We can't expect sharks to do what's convenient for us. Shark attacks are a big problem, but people should know the risk of swimming in the ocean. We can't rely on animals to not attack when we are in their habitat. I also agree with Bonnie when she said "within a few years, the shark attack proportions will return to the typical level". There's always fluctuations in the environment. In time, the number of shark attacks will go back down to a more normal amount.
I completely agree with people being responsible for their actions. Many people in Australia want to have a shark cull, or a mass hunt and killing of sharks. But we have no rights as humans to go into their environment and do that. I hope an idea of a shark cull does not travel to North Carolina or anywhere in the US. Also, along with the baitfish and warmer waters, I saw a study by a marine biologist that showed many turtles have been coming closer to shore recently which results in sharks following them. This is a normal natural thing and will die down soon.
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