White Shark Season Begins: First Confirmed Bite on Cape Cod

White shark activity has returned to New England waters, with the first confirmed signs of the season appearing off Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard. Marine scientists from the New England Aquarium identified injuries on a deceased gray seal found on May 10th as consistent with a white shark bite.

This finding serves as an early reminder for boaters and beachgoers as the summer season commences. Shark expert John Chisholm advised vigilance, noting that white shark numbers typically increase throughout the summer, peaking in the fall. The presence of white sharks is closely linked to the growing gray seal population along the coast.

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, signaling the unofficial start of the beach season, scientists recommend proactive safety measures. These include avoiding areas with high seal activity or visible fish near the shore, and staying close to land for quick emergency access. Public sightings reported via the Sharktivity app are crucial for tracking shark movements and scientific research.