Under a moon spell: Shark attacks related to lunar phases

Date:
January 12, 2022
Source:
Louisiana State University
Summary:
New research suggests that more shark attacks occur during fuller
phases of the moon. While the exact cause remains unclear, the
researchers found that more shark attacks than average occur during
periods of higher lunar illumination and fewer attacks than average
occur during periods of lower illumination. Many different types
of animals show behaviors that are linked to moon phases yet few
studies to date have looked at the connections between lunar phases
and shark attacks.



FULL STORY ==========================================================================
New research from LSU and the University of Florida suggests that more
shark attacks occur during fuller phases of the moon. While the exact
cause remains unclear, the researchers found that more shark attacks
than average occur during periods of higher lunar illumination and fewer attacks than average occur during periods of lower illumination. Many
different types of animals show behaviors that are linked to moon phases
yet few studies to date have looked at the connections between lunar
phases and shark attacks.


==========================================================================
What makes this research important is the abundance of data the
researchers analyzed. Their findings are based on a global shark attack
record collected during a 55-year period from 1960 to 2015 from the International Shark Attack File housed in the Florida Museum of Natural
History at the University of Florida. Being able to crunch numbers for
shark attacks across the globe and over the course of decades revealed
a clear correlation between lunar phases and shark attacks, although
the reasons why remain unknown.

"It's not a matter of more light at night for sharks to see. Most shark
attacks occur in the daylight. However, the moon can exert other forces
on Earth and its oceans in ways that are much more subtle -- for example,
the gravitation pull that we see affect the tides," said Steve Midway,
LSU associate professor and researcher on the project. His combined
expertise in fisheries ecology and statistical analyses in the College of
the Coast & Environment's Department of Oceanography & Coastal Sciences
allowed him to add a unique perspective to this research.

The scientists say it is still too early to demonstrate that lunar
illumination is a causative factor for shark attacks. However, their
new data serves as a building block towards better understanding shark
attacks and could be useful for developing recommendations for water-based recreational activities in the future.

"The abundance of data we have would suggest that there is something
there that's worth continuing to look at," Midway said.

========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by Louisiana_State_University. Note:
Content may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Lindsay A. French, Stephen R. Midway, David H. Evans, George
H. Burgess.

Shark Side of the Moon: Are Shark Attacks Related to Lunar Phase?
Frontiers in Marine Science, 2021; 8 DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2021.745221 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/01/220112145113.htm
--- up 5 weeks, 4 days, 7 hours, 13 minutes
* Origin: -=> Castle Rock BBS <=- Now Husky HPT Powered! (1:317/3)