As Memorial Day weekend heralds the unofficial start of summer in New England, scientists from a Boston aquarium are urging beachgoers to report any sightings of white sharks, also known as great whites, after signs of shark bites were observed on several marine mammals. The New England Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life has noted recent shark activity, emphasizing the importance of vigilance for those heading to the beach during the holiday weekend.
John Chisholm, an adjunct scientist at the aquarium, highlighted that while no white sharks have been spotted so far this season, there have been reports of a minke whale with a white shark bite off Chatham, Massachusetts. This aligns with the time of year when scientists expect these predators to migrate to inshore waters to hunt seals. “Although we haven’t seen a white shark just yet this season, we know they’re here,” Chisholm stated. “With beach weather in the forecast and Memorial Day weekend approaching, this is a good reminder for people to review shark safety guidelines and be shark smart.”
For beachgoers, this means being aware of the potential presence of sharks in shallow waters and avoiding areas where seals are present or schools of fish are visible, as these are common hunting grounds for sharks. The aquarium is advising the public to report sightings of white sharks through the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy’s Sharktivity app, which allows users to share and receive real-time updates about shark activity.
The uptick in shark sightings has been a growing topic of discussion in New England in recent years, with efforts underway along the East Coast to better track and understand the behavior and movements of white sharks. Last month, the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy announced the deployment of its second camera tag on a white shark. These camera tags are seen as crucial for gaining a deeper understanding of the northwest Atlantic white shark population.
The conservancy collaborated with charter captain Chip Michalove to attach a “shark’s eye view” camera to the dorsal fin of a female white shark off the South Carolina coast. Michalove expressed his amazement at being involved in such an advanced technological effort: “I never thought I’d be holding the dorsal fin of a great white shark and applying this type of technology.” These camera tags are expected to provide valuable insights into the sharks’ behavior, migration patterns, and interactions with their environment, contributing to the broader scientific effort to monitor and protect this apex predator.
As Memorial Day weekend approaches, the combination of warmer weather and increased human activity at the beaches means that awareness and precaution are more important than ever. The presence of white sharks is a natural and expected part of the marine ecosystem, but it requires beachgoers to be mindful of their surroundings and take appropriate safety measures.
Chisholm and other experts recommend several shark safety guidelines: swim in groups, avoid areas with seals or large schools of fish, do not wear shiny jewelry which can attract sharks, and avoid swimming near sandbars where sharks may be feeding. Additionally, beachgoers should heed local advisories and warnings, stay close to shore, and avoid swimming at dawn or dusk when sharks are most active.
The New England Aquarium and the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy’s ongoing research and monitoring efforts are vital for ensuring the safety of both humans and marine life. By using advanced technologies like camera tags, researchers can gather critical data that helps in understanding shark behavior, which in turn informs safety protocols and conservation strategies.
In summary, the recent observations of shark activity in New England waters underscore the need for beachgoers to stay informed and cautious as they enjoy the holiday weekend. By adhering to safety guidelines and reporting sightings through the Sharktivity app, the public can contribute to a collective effort to monitor and manage the presence of these majestic yet potentially dangerous creatures. This collaborative approach not only enhances safety but also supports the ongoing conservation efforts aimed at protecting the white shark population and maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.