In recent years, people have spotted more great white sharks in places like New York, Massachusetts, and now, even Maine. These sharks, once rarely seen in northern waters, are now showing up more often. A new study has confirmed that dozens of great white sharks are spending time off Maine’s coast, especially during the summer. Experts say this increase is due to better conservation efforts and a rise in their favorite food—seals.
The sharks are now expected to return every year to the Atlantic Ocean near the northeastern U.S., which shows how ocean life is changing. It also means we need to stay alert and keep coastal areas safe.
A Big Change in Maine
Great white sharks have been seen off Maine’s coast for over 10 years. At first, it wasn’t considered dangerous, but in 2020, a fatal shark attack happened near Harpswell—the first ever in Maine. This led researchers to take a closer look.
Over 100 different sharks have been found in the area. A team of scientists from several organizations, including the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy and the Maine Department of Marine Resources, worked together to track their movements. They published their findings in a journal called Frontiers in Marine Science.
According to Matt Davis, the lead author of the study, they noticed the sharks come closer to shore and are more active during certain months and times of the day. He said their work helps us understand white sharks better, especially in the waters near Maine.
Why Are So Many Sharks Coming to Maine?
Scientists believe that white sharks are now using the Gulf of Maine as a seasonal home to prepare for winter. Warmer ocean temperatures caused by climate change are making Maine’s waters more comfortable for these sharks.
The Gulf of Maine is warming up faster than most parts of the ocean—about 97% faster than the global average. In 2021 and 2022, ocean temperatures rose more than 4°F. This warmer water, along with a growing seal population, has made the area perfect for white sharks.
In the 1970s, only about 6,000 seals lived in the area. Now, there are five different types of seals, providing plenty of food for the sharks.
Where Were White Sharks Found Before?
In the past, only a few sharks came to Maine in the summer and fall before heading back to warmer places in the south for winter. They were mostly found near the coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Shark attacks in the north were rare because the sharks usually stayed where food was easy to find. But now that seal numbers have gone up in New York, Massachusetts, and Maine, more white sharks are heading north to follow the food.
This has expanded their range along the East Coast, making their visits to the North Atlantic a regular part of their summer routine.
