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Peer-reviewedCC BYFrontiers in Conservation Science

Harassment has a cost : anti-predatory behaviour as a motivation for sharks to bite humans

  • Eric Clua
  • Carl Meyer
Open at sourcePDFDOICite

Abstract

A better understanding of the characteristics and motivation of shark bites on humans should lead to improved anticipation and management of this threat. Anti-predatory motivation (APM), first described in the 1960s-70s, refers to a defensive response in which sharks bite when they perceive humans as potential threats. In such situations, sharks typically display agonistic warning behaviour prior to biting. Among modern human practices at sea, high-speed pursuit of sharks using jet skis can satisfy the behavioural triggers associated with APM. Greater awareness and/or adapted legal regulation of this risk are needed to reduce harassment-induced shark bites and improve the public image of sharks, potentially facilitating their conservation.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{clua2026harassment,
  title = {{Harassment has a cost : anti-predatory behaviour as a motivation for sharks to bite humans}},
  author = {Eric Clua and Carl Meyer},
  journal = {Frontiers in Conservation Science},
  year = {2026},
  month = sep,
  doi = {10.3389/fcosc.2026.1861931},
  url = {https://hal.science/hal-05820865v1},
  note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Harassment has a cost : anti-predatory behaviour as a motivation for sharks to bite humans
AU  - Eric Clua
AU  - Carl Meyer
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/09/22
JO  - Frontiers in Conservation Science
DO  - 10.3389/fcosc.2026.1861931
UR  - https://hal.science/hal-05820865v1
AB  - A better understanding of the characteristics and motivation of shark bites on humans should lead to improved anticipation and management of this threat. Anti-predatory motivation (APM), first described in the 1960s-70s, refers to a defensive response in which sharks bite when they perceive humans as potential threats. In such situations, sharks typically display agonistic warning behaviour prior to biting. Among modern human practices at sea, high-speed pursuit of sharks using jet skis can satisfy the behavioural triggers associated with APM. Greater awareness and/or adapted legal regulation of this risk are needed to reduce harassment-induced shark bites and improve the public image of sharks, potentially facilitating their conservation.
SN  - 2673-611X
SN  - 2673-611X
ER  -