Scientists Say Warmer Waters Are Driving Shark Migration
Marine experts say beachgoers along the U.S. East Coast should expect more shark sightings in the coming months as warming ocean temperatures bring dozens of shark species north for the summer.
Researchers at the New England Aquarium recently confirmed the first white shark activity of the season off Massachusetts after a dead grey seal with shark bite wounds was discovered near Martha’s Vineyard.
White Sharks Moving North
Scientists say shark activity typically increases during summer and peaks in the fall. A juvenile white shark named “Nori” was also recently tracked off the coasts of New York and New Jersey as part of migration monitoring by OCEARCH.
Experts estimate that more than 30 shark species travel north along the Atlantic coast each year after spending winter in warmer southern waters.
Why More Sharks Are Being Seen
According to marine biologists, shark sightings rise in summer for several reasons:
- Warmer waters attract sharks closer to shore
- More people are swimming, surfing, and boating
- Shark populations in the Atlantic are recovering due to conservation efforts
- Drones, cameras, and social media make sightings more visible
Different shark species are more common in certain regions. Great white sharks are frequently spotted near Cape Cod because of the area’s large seal population, while bull sharks and tiger sharks are often found in warmer Gulf and Florida waters.
Shark Attacks Still Rare
Despite increased sightings, experts stress that shark attacks remain extremely uncommon. Data from the Florida Museum of Natural History shows there were 65 confirmed unprovoked shark bites worldwide in 2025, with fewer than 10 fatal attacks globally on average each year.
Scientists say sharks are vital to healthy marine ecosystems and usually avoid humans.
Beach Safety Tips
Experts recommend swimmers stay alert, avoid areas with large schools of fish or seals, and pay attention to rip current warnings — which remain a far greater danger at beaches than sharks.
Shark sightings can also be tracked through the Sharktivity app, which provides real-time updates along the Atlantic coast.
For more summer safety tips, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.
