As the unofficial start of summer arrives, experts are cautioning about heightened shark activity along Cape Cod, Massachusetts, a popular Memorial Day weekend destination.
On Thursday, researchers from the New England Aquarium issued an advisory for those planning to enjoy Cape Cod’s pristine waters. John Chisholm, an adjunct scientist at the Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, emphasized the importance of shark safety, even though no white sharks have been spotted yet this season.
“Although we haven’t seen a white shark just yet this season, we know they’re here,” Chisholm said. “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.”
Recent reports of marine mammals suffering from shark bites off the Massachusetts coast serve as a timely warning for beachgoers. Chisholm recently captured images of a seal with fresh bite marks in Plymouth. Additionally, a fishing charter company reported a minke whale with a white shark bite off Chatham, Massachusetts on May 21.
These incidents confirm that sharks are present along Cape Cod’s shores as temperatures rise and people flock to the beaches. Chisholm and the aquarium stressed the importance of staying aware of sharks in shallow waters, avoiding areas with seals or visible schools of fish, and remaining close to shore where emergency responders can assist if necessary.
The New England Aquarium noted that more than 15 shark species inhabit the waters off New England at various times of the year. To stay informed about shark activity and report sightings, people can use the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy’s Sharktivity app.
