New England beaches see surge in shark sightings

A massive basking shark, estimated over 35 feet long, was spotted off Humarock Beach in Scituate, Massachusetts on Aug. 4, drawing thousands of online views. Shark expert John Chisholm of the New England Aquarium confirmed the species and urged beachgoers to stay shark‑smart, noting that white shark activity also rises later in the summer.

In nearby Maine, drone footage captured five to seven great white sharks feeding near Old Orchard Beach and Pine Point. Researchers from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, led by Diego Bernal, clarified that they are not chumming the water and operate under a special permit from the Maine Department of Marine Resources, conducting limited night‑time studies. The increased shark presence is linked to seasonal prey such as baitfish and seals, and officials advise swimmers to remain close to shore and report sightings.