Jaws Returns – Great Whites in New England Atlantic Waters – Cape Code Beach Closed as Swimmers Paddle to Shore – Safety Tips

Map of Great White Shark Sightings in MA - from Mass.gov

There have numerous Great White Shark sightings in New England and the Cape Code region – the most recent taking place in Orleans, MA at Nauset Beach, where one of the large predators had swimmers paddling into shore, as one man in a Kayak, was being stalked by the Great White, he made it to safety. (See Video below)





Great White Sharks are not new to the Atlantic Waters, a combination of warmer water and a food supply of grey seals, brings the Great White’s into the area, sometimes too close for comfort according to Accuweather.




There have been four fatal Great White shark attacks in New England Waters since the 1700’s according to the information site: www.newenglandsharks.com, the last one occurring in 1936 in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts.





What to watch for – Seals in the water – that’s the shark’s natural prey. Things that look like seals – “boogie boards”, surf boards, small boats (kayaks, inflatable). What not to wear: brightly colored or patterned swim suits. What not to do – urinate in the water, or go into the water with a fresh that is still bleeding. Under no circumstances swim in the ocean without a life guard present, especially if the conditions for sharks exist (warm water, seals). Stay within range of shore – Keep your dogs out in range of the shore or out of the water! - Great White sharks are not the only sharks that will view people as a food source.





There are no dolphins in New England (outside of aquariums) – if one sees a fin – it’s most likely a shark. Get out of the water. Not all sharks are dangerous – sand sharks are prevalent in the New England Waters, and are harmless.





For more information on what not to do visit www.flmnh.ulf.edu – “Reducing the Risk of a Shark Encounter”.





Enjoy the beach!





CNN Reports on Cape Cod Great White Sharks






Bloggers note: Having lived in the South Florida area for several years, and being a “body surfer” who barely swims, let alone floats, the presence of sharks in the water, was considered “normal”. However, when attempting to avoid crowded urban beaches, and heading a few miles north to spots such as Juno Beach, one became keenly aware of the probability increase of a shark attack on the loan surfer or swimmer. It was with great fortune that a marine biologist gave our group several tips (most of them noted above) on how to have a pleasurable day at the beach, in the water, without having constant anxiety. Then with the release of “Jaws, the movie” the concept that these creatures are everywhere and to be respected, became more evident.





Also, bloggers adventures in Deep Sea Fishing: Final tip to those whose sole purpose in fishing is to catch a shark – stick one’s foot on the shark and have one’s photo taken – don’t do it until you are bloody sure that shark is quite deceased. Sharks, even those taken out of New England waters (Rhode Island in this instance), can take a bite out of one’s leg – especially if one is standing on a deck, with one foot on the “trophy”. Blue fish on the other hand, completely safe and put up quite a fight.