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New research from LSU and the University of Florida suggests that there is more shark attacks during the full moon. The researchers found that more shark attacks occur during periods of higher lunar illumination and less during periods of lower illumination. Many different types of animals show behaviors that are linked to moon phases, yet few studies have looked at the connections between lunar phases and shark attacks.
The researchers analyzed a lot of data. The International Shark Attack File at the Florida Museum of Natural History at the University of Florida contains a global shark attack record dating back to 1960. The correlation between lunar phases and shark attacks has been shown by being able to crunch numbers for shark attacks over the course of decades.
It's not a matter of more light for sharks to see. The majority of shark attacks occur during the day. Steve Midway, an associate professor and researcher at LSU, said that the moon can exert other forces on Earth and its oceans in ways that are subtle. He was able to add a unique perspective to the research because of his expertise in fisheries ecology and statistical analyses.
It is too early to show that lunar illumination is a factor in shark attacks. Their new data could be used to develop recommendations for water-based recreational activities in the future.
Midway said that there is something there that is worth continuing to look at.
The research was published in a journal.
Lindsay A. French and her colleagues wrote about shark attacks on the moon in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science. The document is titled "Fmars.2021.745221".
The journal is about marine science.
The shark attacks related to lunar phases were retrieved from thephys.org.
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