Looking back as far as 1580, the U.S. is the number one shark attack hotspot is the world, a long way ahead of second-placed Australia with 1,563 and 682 attacks, respectively.
You will find more infographics at Statista
More countries with long (tropical) coastlines and islands appear on the list of places where swimmers and surfers should keep an eye out. South Africa and Brazil both recorded attacks in the triple digits.
Despite these numbers, the University of Florida and the Florida Museum which compiled the list states that the risk of dying to a shark attack in your lifetime is just 1 in 3,748,067. Far lower than the chances of having your life ended by fireworks, for example, at 1 in 340,733, or lightning at 1 in 79,746.
In fact, the chances of death during a shark/human encounter are exponentially higher with the roles reversed. As research by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources shows, 37 percent of shark and ray species are currently threatened by extinction.
A 2021 report by the WWF revealed the alarming scale of the shark meat industry: “Up to 100 million are killed each year, and some populations have declined by more than 95% as a result of overfishing.”
This article originally appeared on Statista.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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This art is garbage. Literally
Washed Ashore is hoping to teach people about marine debris and plastic pollution through epic, giant artworks of sea creatures … all of which are made from, you guessed it, ocean garbage.
According to Washed Ashore’s website, the organization works with artists and scientists to educate the public on how consumer habits can cost sea creatures their habits, homes and even their lives. They hope to teach exhibit-goers that “every action counts.” The traveling exhibit has been on display at the U.S. State Department, United Nations, The Smithsonian National Museum’s Ocean Hall and more. You can learn more about Washed Ashore’s mission online.
Check out some of Washed Ashore out-of-this-world, large-scale sculptures and wall pieces below!
WashedAshore.org
This great white shark seems even more, well, great, when you remember it’s made from debris from the ocean!
WashedAshore.org
The detail on this giant penguin named Gertrude is stunning!
WashedAshore.org
This gigantic jellyfish is larger than life!
WashedAshore.org
This colorful turtle was created against the backdrop of its very own ocean, complete with algae and a jellyfish friend!
WashedAshore.org
The Whale Ribs arch is a popular attraction since visitors can walk through it and marvel and the craftsmanship from both inside and outside the arch.
WashedAshore.org
Priscilla the Parrot is a colorful feat that will surely capture your attention.
WashedAshore.org
SeeMore offers viewers a rather realistic depiction of a sea lion, considering it’s made completely from sea rubbish.
WashedAshore.org
This blue marlin artwork is one of many from Washed Ashore that is sturdy enough to be displayed outside!
WashedAshore.org
The magnificent red octopus truly shows off how garbage can be turned into a work of art.
WashedAshore.org
This giant shark comes with its own patch of sea algae, coral and more!
WashedAshore.org
You almost won’t believe this sturgeon is made from garbage; it looks so realistic and life-like!
WashedAshore.org
This patriotic bald eagle stands tall with its wings outstretched to the sky.
WashedAshore.org
One of many jellyfish made through Washed Ashore, this gumdrop jellyfish stands tall over a bed of colorful sea coral.
WashedAshore.org
The tufted penguin’s hair truly does look like, well, hair! And its orange eyes, beak and feet stand out against its black coloring.
WashedAshore.org
The blue and orange trigger fish floats atop some algae and rope.
WashedAshore.org
You’ll fall in love with this adorably cute polar bear named Daisy!
WashedAshore.org
This whale tail statue really shows off just how big the whale is!
WashedAshore.org
Hugo isn’t the only humpback on display! Meet Grace, who has an equally impressive and artistic tail.
WashedAshore.org
The silvertip shark is showed off through this model made entirely of ocean debris.
WashedAshore.org
This heartwarming depiction of two penguins will almost make you forgot about the fact that they’re made from trash found in the ocean.
WashedAshore.org
Edward “swims” with a jellyfish in this colorful ocean display!
WashedAshore.org
Natasha hopes you think twice about littering as she catches some waves!
WashedAshore.org
With its flippers outstretched, Brody stands tall over visitors.
WashedAshore.org
This happy seal sits on a bed of colorful items found deep beneath the ocean’s surface.
WashedAshore.org
Zorabelle is one of man penguins on display at Washed Ashore’s traveling exhibits.
WashedAshore.org
Finn looks like it’s practically swimming in this extravagant sculpture.
WashedAshore.org
Leo is so tall that we couldn’t even capture its whole body in one photo!
WashedAshore.org
Creamsicle’s tentacles are both impressive and elegant!
WashedAshore.org
Marigold is a colorful jellyfish made with primarily yellow, orange and white debris.
WashedAshore.org
This blackberry jellyfish is another massive sculpture made for Washed Ashore’s traveling exhibits.
WashedAshore.org
This epic salmon swims on a sea of vibrant blue water, complete with white foam on top of the wave it’s swimming on.
WashedAshore.org
This adorable river otter stands on a bed of rock with flowers and algae peeking out of its crevices.
WashedAshore.org
Angus is made out of vibrant yellow debris and floats on top of a bed of algae.
WashedAshore.org
This clownfish stands out against a pastel-colored sea anemone.
WashedAshore.org
Bella the blue angelfish certainly looks angelic on top of this vibrant coral reef!
WashedAshore.org
Flip Flop is one of many artworks designed to be displayed on the walls of Washed Ashore’s exhibit spaces.
WashedAshore.org
Fish Bite is a green and blue artwork displayed on a exhibit space’s wall.
WashedAshore.org
Stella is a green, white and yellow seahorse with features made from various pieces of ocean debris, including brooms, mops and combs.
WashedAshore.org
This patriotic sea star is made out of, you guessed it, pieces of red, white and blue ocean trash.
WashedAshore.org
These incredibly detailed masks almost look like they’re straight out of a museum, but they’re actually straight out of the ocean!
Like what you see? You can learn more about the artwork and where they’re visiting next on WashedAshore.org.
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