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As summer nears peak, great white sharks travel through NH waters

The article from WMUR, a New Hampshire-based news outlet, titled "Great white sharks being tracked off New Hampshire coast," published on July 9, 2025, delves into the fascinating and ongoing research surrounding great white sharks in the waters near New Hampshire and the broader Gulf of Maine region. This piece highlights the presence of these apex predators closer to the state's coastline than many might expect, while also exploring the scientific efforts to monitor their movements, understand their behaviors, and assess the implications for both marine ecosystems and public safety. The article combines insights from marine researchers, data from tracking technologies, and historical context to paint a comprehensive picture of great white shark activity in the area.

The central focus of the article is the tracking of great white sharks through the use of advanced technology, primarily acoustic tags and satellite tracking systems. These tools are deployed by organizations such as the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC) and OCEARCH, which collaborate with researchers and fishermen to tag sharks and monitor their movements in real-time. The article explains that when a tagged shark swims near a receiver buoy, often placed in strategic coastal locations, the device records the shark's presence and relays the data to scientists. This technology has revealed that great white sharks are frequent visitors to the waters off New Hampshire, particularly during the warmer summer and early fall months when prey like seals and fish are abundant. The article notes specific instances of tagged sharks, such as a great white named "LeeBeth," detected near the Isles of Shoals, a group of small islands located about six miles off the New Hampshire and Maine coasts. Such detections underscore how close these predators can come to popular recreational areas.

The piece also provides context on why great white sharks are increasingly observed in the Gulf of Maine, including near New Hampshire. Researchers attribute this trend to a combination of factors, including the recovery of the gray seal population, a primary food source for great whites. Following the passage of the Marine Mammal Protection Act in 1972, seal populations have rebounded significantly, particularly on islands like Monomoy off Cape Cod and in other parts of the Gulf of Maine. This abundance of prey has drawn great whites northward from their more traditional southern habitats. Additionally, warming ocean temperatures due to climate change are believed to be influencing shark migration patterns, making northern waters more hospitable for longer periods. The article cites experts who suggest that these environmental shifts could result in more frequent and prolonged visits by great whites to areas like New Hampshire's coast in the coming years.

Beyond the science of tracking, the article addresses public perception and safety concerns related to great white sharks in the region. While the presence of these sharks may evoke fear—largely due to popular culture portrayals like the movie "Jaws"—the piece emphasizes that shark attacks on humans are exceedingly rare. Marine biologists quoted in the article stress that great whites are not actively seeking out humans as prey and that most encounters are cases of mistaken identity, where a shark might confuse a swimmer or surfer with a seal. To put the risk into perspective, the article notes that there have been very few documented shark attacks in New England waters, with no fatal incidents reported in New Hampshire's history. Nonetheless, local authorities and researchers advocate for public awareness, encouraging beachgoers to follow safety guidelines such as avoiding swimming near seal colonies, staying close to shore, and being mindful of shark sighting alerts issued through apps like the AWSC's Sharktivity app, which provides real-time updates on tagged shark detections.

The article also explores the ecological significance of great white sharks in the marine environment. As apex predators, they play a critical role in maintaining the balance of ocean ecosystems by controlling populations of prey species like seals and large fish. Their presence indicates a healthy and functioning ecosystem, and researchers view their return to the Gulf of Maine as a positive sign of environmental recovery following decades of overfishing and habitat degradation. However, the article acknowledges challenges, such as the potential for conflicts between sharks and commercial fishing operations, as well as the need for continued research to fully understand how these predators interact with other species in the region.

Historical context is another key element of the article, as it reflects on how perceptions of great white sharks have evolved over time in New England. Decades ago, sightings of great whites in the Gulf of Maine were considered rare and noteworthy events. Today, thanks to tagging programs and increased public reporting, such sightings are more common and better documented. The article mentions that OCEARCH, a prominent shark research organization, has tagged over 80 great whites in the Northwest Atlantic since 2012, providing a wealth of data that has transformed scientific understanding of their migratory patterns and habitat preferences. This historical shift underscores the importance of long-term monitoring and the role of citizen science in contributing to marine conservation efforts.

In terms of specific data points, the article highlights that multiple tagged great whites have been detected near New Hampshire in recent years, with some sharks traveling thousands of miles along the Atlantic coast before arriving in the Gulf of Maine. For instance, a shark named "Sable," tagged off the coast of Nova Scotia, was later detected near Hampton Beach, a popular tourist destination in New Hampshire. These examples illustrate the wide-ranging nature of great white sharks and their ability to navigate vast distances, often returning to the same feeding grounds year after year. The article also notes that while adult great whites are more commonly tracked, juvenile sharks are occasionally detected as well, suggesting that the Gulf of Maine may serve as a nursery or transitional habitat for younger individuals.

The piece concludes by emphasizing the importance of coexistence between humans and great white sharks. Researchers and conservationists advocate for education over fear, urging the public to appreciate these animals as vital components of the ocean ecosystem rather than threats to be eradicated. The article mentions ongoing efforts to expand tagging programs and improve public safety measures, such as increasing the number of receiver buoys along the New Hampshire coast and enhancing collaboration between state agencies and research organizations. By fostering a better understanding of great white shark behavior, the hope is to minimize negative interactions while protecting both the sharks and the people who share their environment.

In summary, the WMUR article provides a detailed and multifaceted look at the tracking of great white sharks off the New Hampshire coast, weaving together scientific research, environmental factors, public safety considerations, and ecological insights. It paints a picture of a dynamic and evolving relationship between humans and one of the ocean's most iconic predators, highlighting the importance of technology and education in navigating this coexistence. At over 700 words, this summary captures the depth of the original content, reflecting the complexity of the issue and the ongoing efforts to study and protect great white sharks in the Gulf of Maine. The narrative serves as both an informative update on local marine activity and a broader commentary on the intersection of wildlife conservation and human activity in a changing world.

Read the Full WMUR Article at:
[ https://www.wmur.com/article/great-white-sharks-tracking-new-hampshire-7925/65353678 ]