Dr. Greg Skomal Archives

🦈 Shark Season on Cape Cod: Staying Shark Smart with Sharktivity

Cape Cod’s pristine beaches and rich marine life make it a summer haven—but beneath the waves, another iconic visitor returns each year: the great white shark. This year the Great Whites have been joined by the relatives, the hammerheads. Its a real family reunion.

Hammerhead shark Cape Cod sighting – NBC Boston

NBC Boston photo

As sightings increase along the Massachusetts coastline, locals and tourists alike are turning to technology and science to stay informed and safe.

🌊 A Surge in Shark Sighting

This summer, shark activity near Cape Cod has been especially lively. From Chatham to Wellfleet, confirmed sightings of great white sharks have occurred just yards from shore. On July 16, a 14-foot white shark was spotted in Cape Cod Bay. Other reports include sharks devouring striped bass near fishing boats and swimming within 50 feet of popular beaches.

Massachusetts beaches shut down after great white shark ...

NBC Boston photo

These sightings aren’t random. Cape Cod’s seal population—prime prey for white sharks—has grown significantly, drawing these apex predators closer to shore. While the presence of sharks may sound alarming, it’s also a sign of a thriving marine ecosystem.

Seal colony Cape Cod. Photo credit Deb Neumann

📱 Sharktivity: Your Shark Tracker Companion

To help the public stay informed, the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC) developed the Sharktivity app, a free tool available on iOS and Android. The app offers:

Real-time alerts for confirmed shark sightings near public beaches (red icon)
Interactive maps showing recent and historic shark activity
User-submitted sightings with photo verification
Tracking of tagged sharks via acoustic and satellite data

Whether you’re planning a beach day or just curious about shark movements, Sharktivity empowers users to make informed decisions and contribute to ongoing research. Download the app here.

🧠 Meet the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy

Founded in 2013, the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy is a nonprofit based in Chatham, MA, dedicated to shark research, public safety, and education. Their work includes:

Funding scientific studies led by marine biologist Dr. Greg Skomal
Operating the Shark Centers Chatham and Provincetown, interactive museums with exhibits, videos, and educational programs for all ages
Hosting lectures, events, and expeditions to deepen public understanding of white sharks

The Conservancy’s mission is clear: to foster peaceful coexistence between humans and sharks while promoting conservation of these misunderstood creatures.

Deb Neuman & Greg Skomal 2019

It’s been A busy August

With a cool spring Shark season took its time ramping up but August was a busy month.

July 31: A Great White tried to snack on one of the research cameras.

On August 10: Chatham beach goers watch a real life “Jaws” as a Great White chomped a seal in half in clear view of the beaches.

August 11: Whale Watchers spotted 2 Great Whites feasting on a dead minke whale

August 12 : A fisherman had his catch stolen by a shark. The video became an internet sensation

August 21 A Shark enjoyed a seal lunch as beach goes looked on

August 24 A shark tasted a paddle board off Marconi Beach.

Survey Says…..

The good news is that even with this shark activity the beach going public remains fascinated by the sharks. The Polls and surveys show that public opinion is against the politician’s ill advised suggestion that the sharks be culled. According to Chatham natives, at least some of the beaches may be monitored by balloons equipped with cameras to provide an early warning system.