Mako sharks, some of the ocean’s fastest predators, often spark questions about their potential danger to humans. These powerful marine animals captivate public interest, generating both fascination and apprehension. Understanding their characteristics, behavior, and interactions with humans offers insight into their true nature.
Mako Shark Characteristics and Behavior
Mako sharks, primarily the shortfin mako, are built for speed and efficiency in the open ocean. They can reach lengths of up to 4 meters (13 feet) and weigh over 570 kg (1,260 lbs). Shortfin makos are the fastest shark species, capable of burst speeds up to 74 km/h (46 mph). Their endothermic nature allows them to maintain a body temperature higher than the surrounding water, enhancing muscle performance.
Their streamlined body, pointed snout, and long, slender, unserrated teeth are suitable for gripping slippery prey such as mackerel, tuna, and swordfish. Mako sharks possess a strong bite, with one recorded at approximately 13,000 newtons (around 3,000 lbs of force), among the strongest measured for any shark. They primarily hunt by lunging vertically from below, tearing off chunks of their prey’s flanks and fins. These migratory predators travel vast distances in search of food and mates, typically inhabiting tropical to temperate waters worldwide.
Understanding Human Encounters
Mako shark encounters with humans are uncommon, and unprovoked bites are rare. The International Shark Attack File (ISAF) records only 10 unprovoked shortfin mako attacks globally between 1980 and 2024, with three fatalities. Longfin mako sharks are even less frequently involved in incidents, with no recorded attacks on humans.
Many documented interactions with mako sharks are considered provoked, often occurring when the shark is harassed or caught on a fishing line. When hooked, makos are known for their powerful leaps and thrashing, which can lead to accidental injury to anglers or damage to boats. Mako sharks do not typically view humans as prey, and any bites are often attributed to mistaken identity or feeling threatened.
Minimizing Risk and Promoting Safety
To reduce the risk of encountering mako sharks and other marine life, several safety measures can be adopted. Avoid swimming or surfing during dawn, dusk, and at night, as many shark species are more active feeders then. Swimming in clear waters improves visibility for both humans and marine animals, reducing the chance of a shark mistaking a human for prey. Avoid areas with murky water, river mouths, or where people are actively fishing or spearfishing, as these can attract sharks.
Avoid wearing high-contrast clothing or shiny jewelry, as these can resemble fish scales and attract a shark’s attention. Excessive splashing can mimic distressed prey, so move smoothly through the water. If a shark is sighted, remain calm and slowly back away while maintaining eye contact. If a mako shark shows interest, exit the water calmly and quickly, alerting lifeguards or other swimmers.
Conservation and Ecological Role
Mako sharks serve as apex predators within marine ecosystems, helping to regulate smaller fish populations and contributing to the ocean’s overall health and balance. Their presence helps maintain biodiversity by influencing the distribution and abundance of prey. Despite their predatory role, mako populations face considerable threats.
Both shortfin and longfin mako sharks are classified as “Endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This status reflects a significant global decline in their numbers, with shortfin mako populations in the Atlantic experiencing a notable reduction over several decades. Overfishing, both targeted and as bycatch in fisheries for other species like tuna and swordfish, is a primary reason for their decline. Their slow reproductive rate, with females maturing late and having a three-year reproductive cycle, makes them vulnerable to overfishing and hinders population recovery.