The IUCN/SSC Shark Specialist Group
SSG Statements
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The IUCN Shark Specialist Group (SSG)
acknowledges the
International Shark Attack File (ISAF) as the only official and reliable source of information on
shark attacks worldwide.
October 2002
The ISAF, the longest running database on shark attacks, has a long-term scientifically documented database
containing information on all known shark attacks, and is the only globally-comprehensive, scientific shark attack database
in the world. The ISAF website is the only net-based source of accurate, regularly updated information and advice
on shark attacks worldwide. Initiated in 1958, there are now more than 3,400 individual investigations housed in the File,
covering the period from the mid-1500s to the present. The ISAF, owned by the Smithsonian Institution, is housed
at the Florida Museum of Natural History, and has been under the trustee and management of the American Elasmobranch
Society (AES) since 1988. AES is the largest, most respected society of shark biologists in the world, and the AES
Shark Attack File Committee is responsible for the management of the ISAF under guidelines established by the AES
Board of Directors. The ISAF is the only such operation that benefits from a globally-distributed team of regional scientific cooperators
who investigate attacks in their region and forward reports to the ISAF.
ISAF coordinators provide regular advice on shark attack issues to the governmental agencies, coastal managers,
beach safety professionals, the medical community, and the media. Information requests exceed 1000 annually.
Although detailed information on individual shark attack incidents is held by the ISAF, these records are only
made available to qualified research biologists and physician for reasons of confidentiality and to protect the
privacy of those affected by such incidents.
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