Shark Attacks in 1990

In 1990, the Global Shark Attack File logged 39 shark attacks worldwide — 44.0% above the historical annual average. 3 were fatal (7.7%). United States accounted for the most incidents that year, with 20.

Total recorded

Fatal

Fatality rate

7.7%

Global avg 21.1%

vs. annual avg

44% above

Hist. avg 27.1/yr

Countries with the most incidents in 1990

Country	Recorded incidents
United States	20
Australia	9
South Africa	6
Bahamas	2
Fiji	1

Species most often involved in 1990

Species	Recorded incidents
Tiger shark	2
3 m shark	2
2 m hammerhead	2
5.5 m [18'] white shark, identified by tooth marks	1
2.3 m [7.5'] white shark, identified by M. Smale	1

Counts based on the species field in the Global Shark Attack File. Species identification in incident reports is not always reliable.

Notable incidents in 1990

1989 All years →1991

Frequently Asked Questions

How many shark attacks were there in 1990?

The Global Shark Attack File records 39 shark attacks worldwide in 1990, with 3 fatalities.

What was the shark attack fatality rate in 1990?

7.7% of shark attacks recorded in 1990 were fatal.

Which countries had the most shark attacks in 1990?

The countries with the most recorded incidents in 1990 were United States (20), Australia (9), South Africa (6).

Which shark species were most often involved in 1990 attacks?

Based on incident records, the most frequently identified species in 1990 were Tiger shark, 3 m shark, 2 m hammerhead.