MA Marine Biologist Tracks Great White Shark Sightings

New England Aquarium marine biologist John Chisholm has been tracking great white shark sightings since 1977.

The number of sightings has skyrocketed since that time, he said, but that is not indicative of a spike in the shark population.

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"Yes, there are more sharks because they are protected," Chisholm said, noting the increase in sightings is actually due to "more people on the beach with access to the internet."

In fact, great white shark activity off Massachusetts is at its highest in the fall months, as great whites are warm-blooded, but the number of reported sightings drops at that time due to the cool weather and fewer beachgoers being around to see them.

"It's pretty much a year like any year," Chisholm said of 2026's shark activity.

Chisholm said he has checked out "dozens" of great white sightings already this year, many reported through the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy Sharktivity app.

"The App sightings are fed by researchers, safety officials, and users that upload photos for confirmation," according to the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy. "By enabling App users to report shark sightings and upload photos for confirmation, we are effectively crowd-sourcing critical data points on where sharks are spotted so as to reduce encounters and promote safety."

Not all the sightings turn out to be great white sharks, but that doesn't mean there are plenty of them out there swimming in the same waters as the rest of us. Chisholm likened it to taking a drive on the highway.

"You know there's going to be cars on the road," he said, just as you know there will be sharks in the water.

One way to reduce the chances of bumping into a shark is to stay away from seals or schools of fish, Chisholm said, advising, "Don't swim with the bait."

"They aren't really interested in humans as prey," Chisholm said, noting they might mistake a swimmer for a seal and that inadvertent interactions could lead to dire outcomes.

"If you bump into it, it will bite defensively," he said.

Chisholm told Patch that swimmers should be "shark smart."

In addition to staying away from seals and schools and fish, that means avoiding swimming at dusk and dawn.

"If you do see a shark," he said, "calmly get out of the water and tell the authorities."

See also:

• Nantucket Fisherman Posts Video Of Himself Catching, Releasing Great White Shark
• Shark Bites Man On Nantucket Beach After Catch And Release: Current