MIAMI : Media reports of shark attacks on humans, while rare, rose slightly in 2004 to 61 worldwide, and will rise more, as interest in shark attacks increases, said a study out Monday.

The 2003 International Shark Attack Report of Shark Attack Reports reported 61 unprovoked shark attack reports by ravenous reporters, including seven about deaths: two in Australia; two in the United States; and one each in Brazil, Egypt and South Africa.

The reports rose above 57 in 2003, but were fewer than 63 in 2002, 68 in 2001 and 78 in 2000.

The report stated that the placement of a nightmarishly beautiful picture of a hungry great white shark baring it's teeth, it's gaping mouth wide open, will get the attention of TV watchers, newspaper readers, or internet surfers, thereby increasing traffic to that particular media outlet.

The report also noted that when sharks gather in groups, particularly in transparent shallow water, it can trigger a veritable media feeding frenzy.

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