Shark Attacks in 2008

In 2008, the Global Shark Attack File logged 122 shark attacks worldwide — 350.4% above the historical annual average. 10 were fatal (8.2%). United States accounted for the most incidents that year, with 60.

Total recorded

122

Fatal

Fatality rate

8.2%

Global avg 21.1%

vs. annual avg

350% above

Hist. avg 27.1/yr

Countries with the most incidents in 2008

Country	Recorded incidents
United States	60
Australia	20
South Africa	8
Mexico	6
Brazil	3

Species most often involved in 2008

Species	Recorded incidents
White shark	11
Shark involvement not confirmed	5
Tiger shark	5
Bull shark	4
4' shark	3

Counts based on the species field in the Global Shark Attack File. Species identification in incident reports is not always reliable.

Notable incidents in 2008

2007 All years →2009

Frequently Asked Questions

How many shark attacks were there in 2008?

The Global Shark Attack File records 122 shark attacks worldwide in 2008, with 10 fatalities.

What was the shark attack fatality rate in 2008?

8.2% of shark attacks recorded in 2008 were fatal.

Which countries had the most shark attacks in 2008?

The countries with the most recorded incidents in 2008 were United States (60), Australia (20), South Africa (8).

Which shark species were most often involved in 2008 attacks?

Based on incident records, the most frequently identified species in 2008 were White shark, Shark involvement not confirmed, Tiger shark.