US EditionGreat White Sharks Expand Northward With Rising Detections in Maine and Atlantic Canada
Since 2020, 93 great white sharks have been documented near Maine, with individual sharks spending up to 70 days in northern waters due to increased seal populations, scientists say.
- Great white sharks have extended their range further north, with a total of 93 individuals recorded in waters near Maine between 2020 and 2024, alongside a notable rise in sightings around Atlantic Canada.
- This change is attributed to effective seal protection efforts under legislation like the Marine Mammal Protection Act, leading to an increased food supply for sharks in northern regions.
- Researchers and local fishermen have noted an increase in shark sightings near coastal areas, with state officials tracking great white shark presence in the Gulf of Maine since 2020.
- Greg Skomal stated the average shark residency increased from 48 to 70 days, and David Lancaster said, "It's crazy that they are around as fishermen and surfers; we have to accept it."
- Though shark encounters remain very rare and fatal attacks exceedingly uncommon, increased shark presence urges stronger safety measures and public education on coexistence.
112 Articles
112 Articles
Great White Sharks Head North, Following Seals and Alarming Beachgoers
Rick Clough spent some four decades fishing for lobsters and sea urchins off the Maine coast before spotting one of the ocean's most recognized predators - a great white shark.The approximately 8-foot (2.4-meter) shark, seen off the beach town of Scarborough in July,...
Climate change means more great white sharks in the waters of New England every summer
Rick Clough spent some four decades fishing for lobsters and sea urchins off the Maine coast before spotting one of the ocean’s most recognized predators — a great white shark. The approximately 8-foot (2.4-meter) shark, seen off the beach town of Scarborough in July, surprised Clough, but didn’t make him fear the ocean — though he admitted, “I’m not sure I’d want to go urchin diving now.” Boaters, beachgoers and fishermen like Clough who spend …
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