The Mako shark (genus Isurus) is recognized as one of the ocean’s fastest and most formidable predators. Popular culture often portrays this species as highly aggressive, leading to public concern about the risk they pose to swimmers and boaters. Assessing the true danger requires looking beyond this reputation. This article analyzes official records and statistics to determine the actual level of risk for humans.
Physical Capabilities and Predatory Nature
The Shortfin Mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) is the fastest shark species, capable of burst speeds up to 46 miles per hour. This speed is partly due to their endothermic physiology, which uses a specialized circulatory system to maintain a body temperature warmer than the surrounding water.
This unique adaptation, known as a countercurrent heat exchange, enhances their muscle power and reaction time, enabling them to hunt swift prey like tuna and swordfish. Their hydrodynamic, torpedo-shaped body is engineered for minimal drag. Mako teeth are long, slender, and conical, designed to pierce and hold fast-moving, slippery prey. Unlike the serrated teeth of some other large sharks, the Mako’s smooth-edged dentition is optimized for grasping.
Species Differentiation and Global Distribution
The genus Isurus includes two species: the Shortfin Mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) and the Longfin Mako (Isurus paucus). The Shortfin Mako is the species most commonly encountered by humans and has a vast, global distribution across tropical and temperate pelagic waters.
The Longfin Mako is more elusive, generally inhabiting deeper waters with a limited distribution. The Shortfin Mako’s preference for surface waters increases its potential for interaction with human activities. However, both species primarily remain in the open ocean, which naturally limits frequent contact with coastal swimmers.
Recorded Encounters with Humans
Data from the International Shark Attack File (ISAF) indicates that unprovoked encounters with Mako sharks are extremely rare. Historically, the Shortfin Mako has been implicated in a very small number of unprovoked attacks and only a single confirmed fatality worldwide.
The majority of documented incidents are classified as provoked, meaning the shark was instigated by human activity. These encounters most often occur during fishing, such as when a shark has been hooked, gaffed, or brought onto a boat. A Mako that is stressed or fighting after being caught is far more likely to lash out defensively. The risk posed by Makos to an unengaged ocean user, such as a swimmer, is statistically insignificant.
Contexts of Interaction and Mitigation
The most frequent human-Mako interactions occur far offshore during commercial and recreational fishing operations. Makos are often caught unintentionally as bycatch or targeted by anglers. These fishing contexts account for the vast majority of human injuries, almost always involving a hooked or landed animal.
Mitigation strategies focus on minimizing interaction during these high-risk scenarios. Fishermen should use long-handled dehookers to avoid close contact with a caught Mako. Non-offset circle hooks are mandated in some fisheries to reduce mortality and prevent deep hooking. For general ocean safety, avoiding active commercial fishing areas and never attempting to feed or touch a shark are preventative measures.