Cape Cod Sharks Arrive

It's been a sharky week! Cape Cod had its first confirmed white shark sighting of the season and the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy and the MA Division of Marine Fisheries kicked off 2024 research plans.

Where are the Cape Cod sharks?

23 May 2024 - CHATHAM, MA - This week Cape Cod had its first verified white shark sighting of the season - just as the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy and the MA Division of Marine Fisheries kicked off 2024 research plans and recapped data from last year.

According the the presentation, shark activity in 2023 was similar in volume and pattern as previous years. Sharks arrive on Cape Cod in the spring, more arrive throughout the summer and into the fall, and then as the temperatures drop these toothy finned snowbirds leave the northeast for warmer Florida winter waters.

Why do sharks come to Cape Cod?

Cape Cod has become one of the white shark (aka Carcharodon carcharias) hot spot in the world. Peak shark activity happens in the late summer and early fall, with apex ocean predators following their preferred prey, the seal. Along the Cape sharks feed on seals close to shore.

How dangerous are sharks on Cape Cod?

"Sharks are not hunting for humans. Humans are not on the menu," emphasized Megan Winton of the Atlantic Shark Conservancy.  However, she added that anytime someone enters the waters during shark season on the Cape, they need to be aware that sharks swim here.

However, shark researchers also take pains to point out that that there is a difference between

 being scared and being aware - and encourage people to pay attention to the life guard, practice shark safe behavior to reduce their risk of a shark interaction.