Introduction to Sharks

Vilified by Steven Spielberg’s movies and their own preying habits, sharks are often associated with terror. Whether it’s the background score from Jaws or the silhouette of a lone fin while surfing, the idea of being in the water with a shark is terrifying to most people.

They are, however, crucial to the marine ecosystem.

Sharks support the ocean’s ecosystem health by keeping fish populations in check, maintaining biodiversity and facilitating natural selection, among other ways, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

“You got to have your top-level predators,” said Mark Fisher, science director for the Coastal Fisheries Division at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “They help keep other things in balance.”

He said the number of sharks in Texas waters is either holding steady or increasing because of the protections that exist. On top of that, there is no major commercial fishery for sharks in the state, just recreational, he said.

“We’re just seeing more of them,” Fisher said.

Types of Sharks in Texas

Here are the most common species of sharks found in Texas waters, provided by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department:

• Bull shark
• Bonnethead
• Blacktip shark
• Atlantic sharpnose shark
• Spinner shark
• Finetooth shark
• Scalloped hammerhead
• Lemon shark
• Dusky shark
• Sandbar shark
• Silky shark
• Blacknose shark
• Great hammerhead
• Smalltail shark
• Smooth dogfish
• Florida smoothhound
• Smalleye hammerhead
• Tiger shark
• Cuban dogfish

Other species such as whale sharks, shortfin and longfin makos, and oceanic whitetips, can be found further offshore, Fisher said.

Shark Population Increase

A study released last July documented an increase in the juvenile bull shark population across several estuaries in the state and Alabama’s Mobile Bay, according to an article published by Texas A&M University. This phenomenon was attributed to warming water temperatures, according to the study.

Fisher, one of the authors of the study, said warming waters is not the major reason for the increase in shark population.

“It’s not from rising temperatures,” he said. “They’re just being protected.”

He said it is true that there has been an increase in water temperature, but it is not enough to have that great of an impact on the number of sharks.

Shark Attacks in Texas

Does an increase in sharks contribute to an increase in the possibility of encounters?

There have been about 40 recorded shark attacks or bites in Texas since 1911, according to data provided by TPWD to The Dallas Morning News.

Fisher said it is not a lot of encounters and the last high-profile attack was in summer 2024 along South Padre Island. Other than that, the last fatal encounter was in 1962, he said.

Globally, there were 47 unprovoked and 24 provoked shark bites on humans in 2024, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History’s International Shark Attack File.

Preventing Shark Attacks

Staying aware of the surrounding waters goes a long way, Fisher said. One can’t do much except avoid being in water with bait fish all around and staying alert, he said.

“That’s where they live,” he said.

Fisher said one of the common misconceptions about sharks is that they are “ravenous, dangerous, eating machines,” and that is not true. “They’re just fish,” he said.

Conclusion

Sharks play a vital role in maintaining the health of the marine ecosystem, and their presence in Texas waters is a natural part of the ocean’s balance. While shark attacks can occur, they are extremely rare, and by taking simple precautions, individuals can minimize their risk of encountering a shark.

It is essential to recognize the importance of sharks in the ocean and work to protect and conserve these magnificent creatures. By doing so, we can ensure the long-term health of our oceans and the many species that call them home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about sharks in Texas:

Q: What types of sharks are found in Texas waters?

A: The most common species of sharks found in Texas waters include bull sharks, bonnetheads, blacktip sharks, and Atlantic sharpnose sharks, among others.

Q: Are shark attacks common in Texas?

A: No, shark attacks are extremely rare in Texas. According to data provided by TPWD, there have been about 40 recorded shark attacks or bites in Texas since 1911.

Q: How can I minimize my risk of encountering a shark?

A: To minimize your risk of encountering a shark, avoid swimming in areas with bait fish, stay alert, and avoid wearing shiny jewelry that may reflect light and attract sharks.

Q: Are sharks important to the marine ecosystem?

A: Yes, sharks play a vital role in maintaining the health of the marine ecosystem. They help keep fish populations in check, maintain biodiversity, and facilitate natural selection.