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https://www.wsj.com/articles/shark-attacks-new-york-theories-causes-11658921051

Shark Attacks Off East Coast Spur Fear—and Some Theories

Scientists say recent attacks off New York’s Long Island likely resulted in part from efforts to protect sharks and the fish they prey upon

Surfer Shawn Donnelly said he suffered a wound to his leg after being attacked by a shark in waters off New York’s Long Island this month.

By Eric Niiler

| Photographs by Victor Llorente for The Wall Street Journal

July 27, 2022 10:06 am ET

A spate of shark attacks in waters off the coast of New York in recent weeks bloodied swimmers and frightened beachgoers but also highlighted the effectiveness of marine conservation efforts.

Six people have been bitten by sharks in waters off New York’s Long Island in the past month, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History, which compiles data on shark attacks. The attacks—none of which caused serious injury—were the first in the area since 2018, when there were two.