Sightings of Great White Sharks Increase Along Maine Coast
Scarborough, Maine — Rick Clough has spent decades fishing for lobsters and sea urchins in the waters off Maine but recently encountered something unexpected: a great white shark. The approximately 8-foot shark surprised him during July, though he maintains it hasn’t shrouded his love for the ocean. “I’m not sure I’d want to go urchin diving now,” he admitted.
More people are accustomed to encountering these apex predators off the New England coast. Beachgoers, fishermen, and boaters have noted a rise in sightings of great white sharks, which were once rarely seen in areas like Maine, now made famous by the classic film “Jaws.”
Experts link the surge in sightings to a growing population of seals, a primary food source for the sharks. Reports indicate that sharks can grow to nearly 20 feet, although most are smaller. Despite their imposing size, the chances of a shark attack on beachgoers remain low.
David Lancaster, a clam digger from Scarborough, recently filmed a significant 12-foot shark nearby, describing it as “magnificent.” He noted its presence serves as a reminder for swimmers to remain vigilant.
Why the Northern Movement?
The increase in great white sightings has spread from Cape Cod to even farther north, including New Hampshire and Maine. Greg Skomal, a biologist with the Massachusetts Department of Marine Fisheries, reports a substantial increase in shark activity. Data indicates that in Halifax, Nova Scotia, sightings have jumped about 2.5 times in just four years. Even in the Cabot Strait between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, sightings have soared nearly four times.
The primary factor contributing to this change appears to be the successful protection of seal populations due to laws like the Marine Mammal Protection Act. “It could be a function of a growing prey base,” Skomal noted.
Protecting Sharks and Humans Alike
The great white shark has been protected under U.S. federal law since 1997, which has contributed to their recovery. Massachusetts has made recent adjustments to its fishing regulations to further safeguard these predators, especially after some fishermen targeted them despite existing restrictions.
“We believe targeting white sharks from the beach is not a safe practice,” Skomal remarked. Historically, the likelihood of shark attacks has been exceedingly rare, with only a handful of fatal incidents recorded worldwide.
The first recorded fatal shark attack in Maine occurred in 2020, which led to increased efforts to educate the public on safety measures. “It’s an exceedingly rare event,” stated Ashleigh Novak, a research coordinator with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy. Public awareness is crucial for mitigating possible encounters.
Adjusting to a New Reality
Social media has amplified reports of shark sightings, creating a buzz in the local community. With apps like Sharktivity, beachgoers can stay informed about shark activity in real-time.
Lancaster, a surfer, emphasized the need for the community to adapt. “It’s crazy that they are around,” he said, acknowledging that both fishermen and surfers must accept this new reality. “It’s in the back of your head, but you have to accept it.”
As sightings of great whites increase in New England, locals are learning to coexist with these powerful sharks, balancing safety with their love for the ocean.
