Western Australia has been identified as one of two world shark attack hotspots in an international report.

The University of Florida's Shark Attack File Report says the WA coast, along with Reunion Island near Madagascar, are the two areas to record multiple shark attacks for the second straight year.

There have been five fatal attacks in WA waters over a 10-month period.

The report says the repeat attacks were linked to an increase in what it calls "problematic situations" caused by increased population and changes in human behaviour.

Worldwide there were 80 unprovoked shark attacks recorded last year, with most occurring off the United States coast.

The report also says between 30 million and 70 million sharks are killed by worldwide fishing practices each year.