Shark Sightings Up In NJ As Ocean Waters Warm, Say Experts

NEW JERSEY —There has been an increase in shark sightings near the Jersey Shore in recent years, and experts are reminding people what to do if they see a tell-tale fin in the water.

Rich Weddle, curator at SEA LIFE Aquarium at the American Dream Mall, told NJ 101.5 that there have been more near-shore sightings in New Jersey in 2023, and also in recent years.

Weddle, a marine biologist, said sharks are also drawn to the New Jersey coast for food and come north in the summer. Some shark species, such as sandbar sharks and sand tiger sharks, use the shallow bay waters as nurseries, he said.

RELATED: Shark Attack Seriously Injuries Woman At NYC Beach

Weddle recently discussed several recent shark attacks on Long Island, and said the sharks are attracted by larger fish, which gather to feed on bait fish in shallow waters. Related article — 5th Shark Attack Confirmed On Long Island In 2 Days: Police

"Every once in a while, they'll accidentally grab a hand or a foot while they're feeding," he said.

Lifeguards can use drone video to track groups of sharks, collectively called a "shiver," Weddle explained in an Instagram post.

Recent shark bites and sightings in the Garden State

Already in 2023, a teen surfer was bitten by a shark off the Jersey Shore. The animal tracking research organization OCEARCH also tracked several great white sharks near the shore this year – a 522-pound shark named “Penny” on Memorial Day, and a 700-pound shark named “Hali” in mid-April.

Last year, a string of sharks were pinged near the Garden State, including Tancook, a 9-foot, 7-inch juvenile white shark, located off the coast of Atlantic City on May 4, as well as Ironbound, a 1,000-pound shark. A 12-foot great white shark was also seen less than a mile off the coast of Townsends Inlet near Sea Isle City on June 4, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Factors like warming ocean temperatures in recent years have prompted an increase in shark activity and expanded northward migration patterns in areas along the New Jersey coast, according to the Princeton-based Shark Research Institute. For example, a 2022 study shows tiger sharks have begun appearing much farther north than is typical, because the water has gotten warmer.

"...off the northeast United States, where it was historically way too cold for tiger sharks, these waters have now warmed to suitable levels for tiger sharks and they’ve moved into those areas," the study by shark researcher Neal Hammerschlag stated.

In New Jersey, four shark attacks have been recorded since 1962, according to the company’s interactive map and Patch reporting. None of them were fatal. Related article —Shark Attacks In NJ: How Common Are They Off The Shore?

The most recent case of a shark injuring someone was May 21 off the Jersey Shore at Stone Harbor, when a Pennsylvania teen was bitten by a shark. First-time surfer Maggie Drozdowski told NBC10 Philadelphia she “felt something pressing.”

Before that, data shows there had not been a shark attack since 2013 in Bay Head. There was also a shark attack in 2011 in Egg Harbor, and one incident at Adventure Aquarium in 2009 where a shark bit a volunteer diver.

Be shark-aware when swimming

OCEARCH has tips on how to stay safe in the water this season:

Assess Water Conditions

- Pay attention to lifeguard warnings: Check the lifeguard stands at the beach before you go into the water, to see if there are any precautions posted for surf and current conditions as well as any dangerous marine life in the area.

- Rip currents: Before you go into the water, make sure you assess the area you are entering. Your trip to the beach is 132 times more likely to end in drowning than it is with a shark bite, Ocearch said. The biggest beach risks are undertows, strong currents, and rip currents. A rip current is a powerful channel of water that flows away from the shore. If you find yourself in a rip current, remain calm and swim parallel to the shore. Then follow breaking waves back to shore at an angle. Do not swim against the current. If you are unsure about water conditions you can reach out to your local lifeguard or click here.

- Don’t swim in the food chain: Every time you step into the ocean you are stepping into the wild, but there are easy ways to minimize your risk of an interaction with a shark or other predatory fish, Ocearch said. Avoid swimming in areas with a lot of activity such as birds diving, fish jumping or seals swimming. You don’t want to swim out in the middle of the food chain and be mistaken for a fish, dolphin, seal or other prey. Instead, move to a quieter section of the beach.

- Be cautious of marine life: While most marine life is harmless, it’s important to be cautious, Ocearch said. Avoid touching or approaching unfamiliar sea creatures, as some may be poisonous or aggressive. If stung by a jellyfish or other marine creature, seek medical attention.

- Safety in numbers: When possible, swim with a buddy. Having someone with you increases safety as they can provide help or call for assistance if needed. Do not swim far out where sharks may be patrolling.

- Swim in the ocean during the day: Don’t swim between dusk and dawn, when sharks have less visual information to tell them you are not what they are looking for, Ocearch said.

- Avoid shiny jewelry and bright-colored bathing suits: Marine animals can be attracted to shiny objects or mistake bright colors for fish scales and may mistake it as prey, Ocearch said. If you wear bright colors or jewelry, stay aware of your surroundings.

- Avoid swimming with an open wound or cut: Sharks and other predatory fish can be attracted to the scent of blood, so it is best to avoid swimming if you are bleeding, Ocearch added. Open wounds can also get infected by bacteria in the water so it is important to cover the wound with protective measures such as a waterproof bandage.

- Protect your skin: Apply sunscreen to protect your skin against harmful UV rays and reapply often throughout the day.

- Stay hydrated: If you’re spending extended periods of time in the sun or saltwater, make sure you drink plenty of water. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and increase the risk of accidents.

- Lightning: Lightning strikes at the beach are a far greater risk than shark bites, Ocearch said. If lightning is seen or thunder is heard anywhere in the area, get off the beach until the storm passes. Don’t wait until the storm is upon you.

This article contains reporting from Patch's Nicole Rosenthal.