Data Sources
The Shark Attack Database draws from a wide range of sources to compile our comprehensive record of shark attack incidents. This page outlines our primary data sources and how we use them.
Primary Sources
Official Records
- Government agency reports (e.g., fisheries departments, coast guards)
- Beach safety authority records
- Marine park and protected area incident logs
- Public health and hospital records (where publicly available)
Scientific Literature
- Peer-reviewed journal articles
- Scientific monographs and books
- Conference proceedings
- Research institution reports
Existing Databases
- International Shark Attack File (ISAF)
- Global Shark Attack File (GSAF)
- Australian Shark Attack File
- Regional and national shark attack registries
Secondary Sources
Media Reports
- Newspaper archives
- Television news reports
- Digital news platforms
- Magazine articles
Historical Documents
- Historical newspapers and periodicals
- Ship logs and maritime records
- Colonial and military records
- Local historical society archives
Firsthand Accounts
- Survivor testimonies
- Witness statements
- First responder reports
- Medical examiner findings
Source Evaluation
We evaluate our sources based on several criteria:
- Reliability: Sources with established credibility receive higher weight
- Proximity: Accounts closer to the incident (temporally and physically) are prioritized
- Consistency: Information corroborated across multiple sources is given preference
- Expertise: Sources with relevant scientific or professional expertise are valued
- Transparency: Sources that clearly document their methods and limitations are preferred
Citation and Attribution
While we don't provide individual citations for each incident in our public database, we maintain detailed source information in our internal records. Researchers interested in source details for specific incidents can contact us directly.
Contributing Information
We welcome contributions of new information, corrections, or additional sources. If you have relevant information to share, please visit our Contact page.