Globally, sharks killed only four people in 2006 according to the International Shark Attack File at the University of Florida, with fatalities listed in Australia, Brazil, La Reunion, and Tonga.

A total of 62 unprovoked shark attacks were reported worldwide, an increase of only 1 from 2005, but the number of those proving deadly was unchanged. These figures continue the 5-year general decline recorded since 2000, where 79 attacks, 11 of them fatal, were reported. Despite the recent yearly declines, the number of unprovoked shark attacks has grown at a steady rate over the past century. However, the ISAF declares that “The growth in shark attack numbers does not necessarily mean there is an increase in rate of shark attack, rather it most likely is reflective of the ever-increasing amount of time spent in the sea by humans.”

The United States had more shark attacks than any other nation (38 attacks), followed by Australia (7), South Africa (4), Brazil (3), and the Bahamas (2), with single incidents reported from Fiji, Guam, Mexico, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, La Reunion, Spain, and Tonga. Surfers/windsurfers (42%) and swimmers/waders (34%) were water users most often involved in shark attacks in 2006. Less affected were divers and snorkelers (8%).

Despite the attention shark attacks receive, the data shows they are a rare occurrence.