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Estimated Maximum Shark Population
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The oceans around the world are home to over a billion sharks, encompassing 400 diverse species in terms of size, color, and danger level. In recent years, the shark population has been on the rise in the United States, with 50 species inhabiting its waters. The US shark hotspots include Florida, Hawaii, South Carolina, California, and North Carolina, with New Smyrna Beach in Florida being the most shark-infested area globally.
Australia follows closely, particularly known for its large population of white sharks, with estimates of up to 1,500 adult white sharks in southwestern Australia. South Africa's waters host several hundred great white sharks; despite a declining population, the region has experienced hundreds of shark attacks.
Brazil's coastline is home to over 200 shark species, ranging from harmless to deadly, with the tiger shark, great white shark, and bull shark being the most common. New Zealand, with an estimated 700 great white sharks, boasts a diverse shark population including basking, pygmy, whale, and hammerhead sharks.
The Mascarene Islands in the Western Indian Ocean have 44 shark species, with 41 recorded shark attacks in its waters. Mexico's waters, home to over 100 shark species including great whites, are known for shark sightings in Isla Guadalupe Cancun, Isla Mujeres, and Cabo San Lucas.
Lake Nicaragua, despite being landlocked, surprisingly hosts dangerous sharks in its largest lake. The West End in Grand Bahamas stands out as the shark diving capital of the world, offering face-to-face shark encounters within the safety of metal cages.
Country | Estimated Maximum Shark Population | Detailed Estimate | Predominant Water Area | Water Areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 1,000,000 | 100000-1000000 | 3287263 | Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal |
| United States | 1,000,000 | 1000000+ (several million) | 9525067 | Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico |
| Brazil | 1,000,000 | 100000-1000000 | 8515767 | Atlantic Ocean, Amazon River Basin |
| Mexico | 1,000,000 | 100000-1000000 | 1964375 | Gulf of Mexico, Pacific Ocean |
| Japan | 1,000,000 | 100000-1000000 | 377975 | Pacific Ocean, Sea of Japan |
| Philippines | 1,000,000 | 100000-1000000 | 2210517 | Philippine Sea, Sulu Sea, Celebes Sea |
| South Africa | 1,000,000 | 100000-1000000 | 1221037 | Indian Ocean, Atlantic Ocean |
| Australia | 1,000,000 | 1000000+ (several million) | 7692024 | Coastal areas, Coral Reefs, Great Barrier Reef |
| Thailand | 100,000 | 10000-100000 | 513120 | Gulf of Thailand, Andaman Sea, Gulf of Siam |
| South Korea | 100,000 | 10000-100000 | 98480 | Yellow Sea, Sea of Japan, East China Sea |
| Spain | 100,000 | 10000-100000 | 1042175 | Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean |
| Madagascar | 100,000 | 10000-100000 | 587041 | Indian Ocean, Mozambique Channel |
| Ecuador | 100,000 | 10000-100000 | 283561 | Pacific Ocean, Galapagos Islands |
| New Zealand | 100,000 | 10000-100000 | 270467 | Tasman Sea, South Pacific Ocean |
| Costa Rica | 100,000 | 10000-100000 | 511373 | Pacific Ocean, Caribbean Sea |
| Fiji | 100,000 | 10000-100000 | 18272 | South Pacific Ocean, Fiji Islands |
| Maldives | 100,000 | 10000-100000 | 298 | Indian Ocean, Maldives Atolls |
| Bahamas | 100,000 | 10000-100000 | 139390 | Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea |
| Kenya | 10,000 | 1000-10000 | 536074 | Indian Ocean, East African Coast |
| Canada | 10,000 | 1000-10000 | 9984670 | Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Arctic Ocean |
| Venezuela | 10,000 | 1000-10000 | 912050 | Caribbean Sea, Atlantic Ocean |
| Sri Lanka | 10,000 | 1000-10000 | 65610 | Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal |
| Malawi | 10,000 | 1000-10000 | 29600 | Lake Malawi, Shire River |
| Tunisia | 10,000 | 1000-10000 | 46595 | Mediterranean Sea, Gulf of Tunis |
| Sweden | 10,000 | 1000-10000 | 157700 | Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia |
| Iceland | 10,000 | 1000-10000 | 100250 | North Atlantic, Arctic Ocean |
| Seychelles | 10,000 | 1000-10000 | 459679 | Indian Ocean, Seychelles Islands |
| Indonesia | Significant, but difficult to estimate | 1919440 | Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean |
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