Study Finds Maui Shark Attacks Always Occur 100 Yards Offshore {NRL}

MAUI ~ A new extensive study of shark attacks on the island of Maui dating back 20 years has determined that such incidents almost always occur at or near 100 yards offshore, according to years of media reports.

Scientists with the Pacific Ocean Shark Institute studied all reported shark attacks off the coasts of Maui, particularly in West Maui and South Maui, and determined that for whatever reason they always seem to happen about 100 yards off the beach.

"It's a fascinating determination that we hope can be used to prevent shark attacks in the future on Maui," said Kekoa Jones, lead researcher on the POSI project. "Our next step will be to figure out exactly why they only attack people 100 yards out. We're not sure if it has something to do with the currents, or whether they just always swim by in a straight line."

"This is quite helpful when using our bullhorn from atop the beach, to inform swimmers, surfers, stand-up paddle boarders and the like, that they are nearing that magic 100-yard point," said Lopaka Hoʻomākeʻaka, a lifeguard at one of the Kamaole beaches in Kihei, where Tiger shark sightings occur often enough.

"Sometimes they approach the tower and ask how to avoid being attacked by a shark," Hoʻomākeʻaka said. "Now we know. We can tell them: either don't pass 95 yards away from the sand; or very quickly swim out another 10 yards so you're 5 yards past the magic point that the newspapers always report."

Just as the POSI report was released Tuesday, a shark attack was reported off the coast of Ka'anapali, where early newspaper reports said occurred "about 100 yards off the coast."