Gainesville, Florida - Increased tourism in the far-flung corners of the world and improved communication led to an all-time record number of reported shark attacks on people worldwide in 2000, according to University of Florida officials. Seventy-nine shark attacks were reported last year, the largest number since the International Shark Attack File began compiling statistics in 1958. The file is located at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
Despite the higher incidence, the number of people who died from shark attack wounds last year was 10, fewer than the 1990s' decade average.