Shark sightings are on the rise along the East Coast, with experts predicting an increase in encounters throughout the summer and into the fall. This surge is attributed to several factors, primarily warming ocean waters that draw more sharks northward for their seasonal migration and attract more swimmers to beaches. Approximately 30 species of sharks are currently making their way up the Eastern seaboard after overwintering in southern waters, according to Joel Fodrie, director of the Institute of Marine Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Conservation efforts have also played a significant role in the increasing shark presence. After decades of depleted shark stocks due to intense fishing, stricter regulations have allowed populations to rebound. As their numbers grow, so does the likelihood of interactions with humans in coastal areas. Certain stretches of coastline, where sharks and humans are drawn to similar food sources and habitats, are becoming hotspots for these encounters. Additionally, warm-water species are expanding their range, bringing sharks to areas where they were once uncommon.
Environmental phenomena like El Niño are further contributing to this trend. El Niño, characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures, can push both prey and predators into new areas. As a result, some regions, like California, anticipate seeing more sharks than usual. For instance, a juvenile white shark named Nori has been tracked moving north along the East Coast, suggesting a larger seasonal migration is underway for Western North Atlantic white sharks.
Despite the increased sightings, experts emphasize that the risk to humans remains statistically low. In 2025, there were 65 confirmed unprovoked shark bites worldwide and 29 provoked incidents. The United States accounted for 25 unprovoked bites, with Florida reporting 11. Most incidents are linked to common beach activities like swimming and surfing. While acknowledging the rare nature of shark bites, experts like Bradley Wetherbee, a professor of biology and ecology, highlight that rip currents pose a much greater danger to swimmers than sharks. Beachgoers are encouraged to be "shark smart" by avoiding areas with seals or large schools of fish, not swimming at dusk, night, or dawn, and staying clear of murky waters.
New species are also being observed in new areas, compounding the situation. Dusky sharks, an apex predator capable of growing up to 12 feet, are making a historic comeback and have recently been observed preying on seals off Cape Cod. These sharks, which were heavily fished in the 20th century, are now overlapping with growing gray seal populations, bringing them closer to shore where seals are found. John Chisholm, a scientist with the New England Aquarium, warns that dusky shark bites can be deadly due to their size, making public awareness and caution essential.
