Shark sightings and predators in the waters off Massachusetts have been steadily increasing throughout the summer heat and humidity continue to dominate the region.
2,600-pound great white shark returns to Massachusetts after long journey
Based in Chatham Atlantic white shark conservationSharktivity’s Sharktivity app has reported large white sightings in far northern Nova Scotia, with many coming from Cape Cod and the islands in recent days.
According to one report, a shark came within 50 feet of a Cape Cod beach. Several other reports indicated that the sharks were swimming within 50 meters of the shore.
In addition to shark sightings, predation involving dead seals has also been reported by Sharktivity users.
Multiple reports of dead seals with bite marks as great white sharks return to Massachusetts waters
Here is a list of sightings and predations so far in the past week:
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Shark spotted 30 meters off North Beach Island in Chatham on July 3
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Pilot spotted a shark northeast of Sagamore beach in Bourne on July 3
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Pilot spotted a shark west of Head of the Meadow Beach in Truro on July 3
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Pilot spotted shark a mile off Wellfleet’s Beachcomber on July 3
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Shark sighting and seal predation at Nantucket’s Great Point on July 7
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Dead seal found in Truro’s Pamet Harbor with a shark bite on July 7
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Shark spotted 30 meters off North Beach Island in Chatham on July 9
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Shark sighted 500 feet off the north cut of Chatham Harbor on July 9
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Shark sighted 59 meters off Nauset Outer on July 10
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Shark spotted 50 feet offshore south of Nauset Beach in Orleans on July 10
The Sharktivity app tracks sightings provided by researchers, law enforcement, and users who submit photos for confirmation.
John Chisholm, associate scientist at the New England Aquarium, recently told Boston 25 they expect more sharks this year as the seal population continues to grow.
“No matter where you are getting into the water, whether it’s Cape Cod, Gloucester or Plymouth, you need to be smart about sharks,” Chisholm warned swimmers.
Although the last shark attack in Massachusetts occurred in 2020, the increasing numbers of seals and sharks should make beachgoers more alert, Chisholm advised.
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