2015 sets record for most shark attacks, with 98 worldwide

In this June 15, 2014, photo, a sign warns of the danger sharks pose to swimmers at Boa Viagem beach in Recife, Brazil. The beach, which has seen an influx in visitors during the World Cup, has had more reported shark attacks than any other beach in Brazil. According to the state's Shark Incident Monitoring Committee, 59 people have been attacked by sharks in or near Recife since 1992. Some tourists' eyes widen as they notice the shark symbol while approach the huts to order Brazilian cocktails. (AP Photo/Lawrence Rincon) (The Associated Press)

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Experts say 2015 saw a record-setting 98 unprovoked shark attacks worldwide, including 30 in Florida alone.

The Florida Museum of Natural History released the numbers Monday. Scientists say the previous record was 88 attacks in 2000.

International Shark Attack File curator George Burgess says attacks are expected to continue to increase as human populations grow and shark populations recover.

Of the six fatalities last year, two happened off the Indian Ocean island of Reunion; the others occurred off Australia, Egypt, New Caledonia and the United States.

The U.S. led the world with 59 attacks, including those in Florida, eight in each of the Carolinas and seven in Hawaii. California and Texas each had two attacks, and New York and Mississippi each had one.

Australia and South Africa followed the U.S. with 18 and 8 attacks, respectively.