Abstract
Negative human-wildlife interactions (HWI) pose a growing global conservation challenge, yet marine contexts remain underexplored relative to terrestrial systems. Sharks, as an ecologically critical but socially polarising group, exemplify these challenges and current monitoring frameworks often overlook the dynamic and complex nature of human–shark interactions (HSI). Here, we adopt a multi-method approach to characterise HSI at Ascension Island; a remote oceanic island surrounded by one of the world’s largest marine protected areas. By synthesising data from social media (n = 135 posts), semi-structured interviews (n = 26 interviewees), an online survey (n = 14 responses), archival records (n = 59 accounts), and remote camera footage (n = 325 days monitored), we (1) quantify spatiotemporal variation in HSI, (2) examine how the nature of HSI has changed, and (3) assess changes in local sentiment. Findings reveal fluctuations in the frequency of HSI across multiple temporal scales, from intra- and inter-annual variation to broader decadal oscillations. Collectively, the results suggest a decline in sightings of sharks during the late 20th century, followed by a recent resurgence preceding two shark bites in 2017. Temporal variation in HSI was associated with periods of heightened inshore shark presence and rapid behavioural shifts (e.g. increased aggression), whilst sentiment analysis highlights diverse and shifting views toward sharks, suggesting possible resilience or evolving acceptance within the community. This study highlights the value of a multi-method approach to better understand spatiotemporal dynamics of HSI and support adaptive management to foster coexistence. We underscore the need for monitoring approaches that account for both social and ecological dimensions of HSI and call for further research into the environmental drivers of observed variation in HSI. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-026-46394-0.