Key word missing from national shark database because of stigma

The national shark attack database has undergone a change in a bid to remove the stigma around what many see as a dangerous predator.

The stigma and bad reputation around sharks has led to the name of the national shark attack database being changed.

The database was formerly known as the Australian Shark Attack File but is now called the Shark Incident Database.

Instead of using the word “attack”, authorities will now use “bites”, “interactions” and “negative encounters”.

The national shark attack database has changed its name to try to remove the stigma associated with the animal. Picture: Supplied

Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium exhibits manager Tereza Todd said movies “painted a bad light” on the animals.

She said sharks mostly swam away when they realised they had encountered a human as they were not part of the usual food source.

“They’re not attacking predators. They’re just fish that swim in the ocean and they’re quite curious sometimes,” she told 3AW.

“(Humans) are not part of their natural diet and they haven't evolved to eat humans, just things that move (and live) in the ocean.

“Sometimes they can’t see very well and they might come close (to humans) and realise they’re not food and swim off.”

Tereza Todd said it was more common for sharks to swim away when they realised they had encountered a human. Picture: Seanna Cronin / APN

Ms Todd said the underwater creatures were unfairly demonised and humans were the ones who entered the animal’s environment.

Because they don’t have hands, sharks use their teeth to feel around their environment.

“Unfortunately. that can have bad consequences on people, but it’s quite rare and doesn't happen that often,” Ms Todd said.