Sharing the waves: An exploration of surfer and shark interactions

Sharing the waves: An exploration of surfer and shark interactions

Apryl Boyle, Brianna Le Busque

ABSTRACT:

Despite the complex relationship that exists between surfers and sharks due to the possibility of shark-surfer interactions, to date there has been little research into these interactions. This study provides preliminary insights into the shark-surfer relationship. A sample of 391 surfers who frequently surf in 24 countries (predominantly USA), were surveyed. It was found that 51.3 % of surfers reported seeing a shark while surfing, while a further 17.2 % had personally been or know someone who had been bitten by a shark while surfing. Of the surfers who had seen a shark while surfing, the most reported shark species was white sharks (39 %). Despite these common interactions with sharks, 60 % of surfers stated that they are not afraid of sharks when surfing and 44 % stated that a shark being spotted would not stop them from going in the water. There is a need for further research into this space, to understand how frequent ocean users, such as surfers view sharks and the potential implications this has for shark conservation and management policies.

Marine Policy, Volume 145, November 2022, 105260, DOI: 10.1016/j.marpol.2022.105260

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