Cape Cod's Shark Boom: Tourism Thrives on Fear

Cape Cod, a popular seaside destination, is witnessing a surge in tourism with its economy nearing $2.8 billion, fueled by the growing population of great white sharks in its waters. This phenomenon has led to the development of a unique "white shark ecotourism" industry, offering specialized charters for shark sightings and citizen science participation.

The increase in great white sharks is directly linked to the recovery of the region's gray seal population, which has grown significantly since the 1970s. An estimated 800 individual white sharks visited Cape Cod's waters between 2015 and 2018, establishing it as a major shark hotspot.

While shark sightings have spurred new tourism ventures, safety remains a concern. Shark warning signs and rescue kits are now common on beaches. The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy provides safety information through its Sharktivity app, alerting beachgoers to confirmed sightings and offering guidance.

Despite past incidents, including a fatal attack in 2018, the sharks have not shown increased aggression. Their presence, however, has led to innovative safety measures and even boosted demand for swimming pools, with some businesses advertising "shark-free swimming."