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Sharks shut down beaches in Florida [VIDEO]

Thousands of sharks are swarmed off the coast of Florida on their annual northward migration, spoiling spring break plans as swimmers are warned to keep out of the water.
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A Great White is observed during behavioral research studies being conducted on Great White Sharks off of Isla Guadalupe, Mexico on September 15, 2008. Club Cantamar, primarily a tour operator has branched into conducting coordinated research with Isla Guadalupe Conservation to protect the species of sharks while offering tourists to Mexico the ability to also observe the sharks as they migrate through the area. The Conservation agency reports its findings to the Mexican Government which maintains authority on granting this activity. (UPI Photo/Joe Marino)
A Great White is observed during behavioral research studies being conducted on Great White Sharks off of Isla Guadalupe, Mexico on September 15, 2008. Club Cantamar, primarily a tour operator has branched into conducting coordinated research with Isla Guadalupe Conservation to protect the species of sharks while offering tourists to Mexico the ability to also observe the sharks as they migrate through the area. The Conservation agency reports its findings to the Mexican Government which maintains authority on granting this activity. (UPI Photo/Joe Marino) 
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Published: March. 7, 2013 at 2:16 PM
By GABRIELLE LEVY, UPI.com

Spring breakers beware: thousands of sharks have been spotted off the coast of Florida as they swim north on their annual migration.

The shiver, mostly blacktip and spinner sharks, is making its way up the East Coast and keeping swimmers away.

Researchers at Florida Atlantic University say they have counted more than 15,000 sharks, most less than 200 yards from shore.

"We don't have a sandbar." lifeguard Craig Pollock, a Palm Beach lifeguard supervisor told ABC News. "A lot of times when we have a sandbar the sharks stay off of the shore a little further."

Many beaches are flying a double red flag Thursday, warning beachgoers to stay out of the water.

According to the International Shark Attack File at the Florida Museum of Natural History, there were 80 unprovoked shark attacks worldwide in 2012, 26 of which were in Florida.

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