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🌱 Seal Comeback and Climate Change Are Drawing Sharks to New England 🦭🦈

Seal recovery and warmer waters are bringing more great white sharks to New England. Discover why, what it means, and how locals are adapting.

Author

Green Glow
August 27, 2025

For decades, the chilly waters of New England were not known for their shark populations. But in recent years, great white sharks — the ocean's most iconic predator — have been making more frequent appearances off the coasts of Massachusetts, Maine, and even Canada. What's behind this sudden surge? Two major forces: the successful comeback of seal populations and the changing climate reshaping marine ecosystems.

Table of Contents

A Growing Presence: Sharks Are Heading North

Veteran fishermen and beachgoers in New England are spotting more great white sharks than ever before. These apex predators, which can reach lengths of up to 20 feet, were once rare this far north. Today, they’re being seen as far up as Nova Scotia and Newfoundland — and they're staying longer each season.

According to shark researcher Greg Skomal of the Massachusetts Department of Marine Fisheries, detections of great whites off Halifax, Nova Scotia, have increased 2.5 times between 2018 and 2022. Even more striking, in the Cabot Strait between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, shark detections have quadrupled. The average time sharks spend in these northern waters has also grown from 48 days to 70 days.

The Seal Comeback: A Conservation Success

A key reason sharks are heading north? Food.

Seals — particularly gray seals — are a favorite prey for great whites. Thanks to decades of protective legislation like the Marine Mammal Protection Act, seal populations along the U.S. and Canadian Atlantic coasts have rebounded dramatically. Beaches once empty of these blubbery marine mammals are now bustling with colonies, providing a rich buffet for hungry sharks.

As Greg Skomal puts it, “It could be a function of a growing prey base. And that would be seals.”

Warmer Waters, Shifting Ecosystems

Climate change is also playing a significant role. Warmer ocean temperatures are enabling sharks to explore and thrive in regions that were once too cold. This allows them to expand their territory — and follow prey like seals — farther north and for longer periods during the year.

The phenomenon is a clear example of how global warming is not just affecting ice caps and coral reefs but is reshaping predator-prey relationships and altering the dynamics of entire ecosystems.

Sharks Are Protected Too — But So Are People

Great white sharks are themselves protected in U.S. waters, with a federal fishing ban in place since 1997. Despite this, illegal targeting by fishermen persists. In response, Massachusetts tightened fishing regulations in 2024, banning certain heavy fishing gear near shark hotspots to reduce harm and enhance public safety.

Thankfully, shark attacks on humans remain extremely rare. According to the International Shark Attack File, there have been fewer than 60 fatal great white shark bites on humans in recorded history. Still, public concern persists — especially after a fatal shark attack in Maine in 2020, the state’s first ever.

Organizations like the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy work to educate the public and promote coexistence, offering tools like the Sharktivity app to report sightings and help people stay informed.

Living With Sharks: The New Normal

For locals like fishermen and surfers, the rise in shark activity is something they’re learning to accept.

“It’s crazy that they are around, as fishermen and surfers, and something we have to accept,” said David Lancaster, a surfer in Scarborough, Maine. “It’s in the back of your head, but you have to accept it.”

Rather than panic, many coastal residents are adapting — by changing habits, staying alert, and respecting the marine environment. It's a reminder that humans are part of, not separate from, nature's complex web.

What This Means for the Future

The presence of more great white sharks in northern waters is not just a marine curiosity — it’s a signal. It tells a story of successful animal protections, warming oceans, and a shifting balance in the marine food chain.

As we continue to tackle the challenges of climate change and wildlife conservation, we must also rethink how we interact with nature. From policy to public education, the goal should be safe coexistence, not fear.

Conclusion

The increasing presence of great white sharks in New England waters is not a cause for alarm — it's a sign of change. The revival of seal populations through effective conservation laws and the warming of ocean waters due to climate change are reshaping marine ecosystems. These apex predators are simply following their food and adapting to new conditions.

For coastal communities, this means adjusting behaviors, investing in monitoring tools, and supporting science-based conservation. Instead of fearing sharks, we should view their return as a reflection of both our impact on and responsibility to the natural world.

FAQs

Why are great white sharks appearing more in New England?

Great white sharks are increasingly present in New England due to two main factors: a rebound in seal populations, which provide a food source, and warming ocean temperatures caused by climate change, which allow sharks to thrive farther north.

Are shark attacks common in this region?

No. Shark attacks are extremely rare. The first recorded fatal shark attack in Maine occurred in 2020. Globally, fewer than 60 fatal great white shark attacks have been documented in all recorded history.

What is the role of seals in this change?

Seals are a primary food source for great whites. Conservation laws like the Marine Mammal Protection Act have led to booming seal populations, particularly in New England, attracting more sharks to the area.

How does climate change contribute to the shark migration?

Warmer waters expand the habitable range for sharks. As temperatures rise, regions like New Hampshire, Maine, and even parts of Atlantic Canada are becoming more suitable for extended shark residency.

What can people do to stay safe?

Stay informed using tools like the Sharktivity app, follow beach safety guidelines, and avoid swimming near large groups of seals or during peak feeding times (dawn/dusk). Authorities also monitor and update the public when shark sightings occur.

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