Paige Finney, communications specialist for Ocearch, said the nonprofit's scientific team was “skeptical” that any of the bites and encounters in the Long Island area were from young white sharks.
Sharks, Chris Fischer, founder of Ocearch, has long argued are “excellent balance keepers.” The fact that they have been multiplying in recent years, after the discovery of the great white shark nursery off the coast of Montauk, indicates that the water quality is improving.
But Finney said the most recent bites likely weren't due to the great white shark hatchery in Montauk.
“They were probably young sand tigers or requiem sharks, so unrelated to the white shark nursery, but maybe the land-based nurseries for these other species,” Finney said.
He added: “The mid-Atlantic at this time of year is home to juvenile shark species. The most likely sharks you would encounter in the surf zone in this area would be small sandbars, small sand tigers and smooth hounds.”
Finney also shared tips from Ocearch on how to stay safe on the water this season:
Assess water conditions
– Pay attention to lifeguard warnings: Check the lifeguard booths on the beach before going in the water to see if there are surf warnings posted and current conditions, as well as any dangerous marine life in the area.
– Split currents: Before entering the water, make sure you assess the area you are entering. Your trip to the beach is 132 times more likely to end in a drowning than a shark bite, Ocearch said. The biggest dangers to the beach are underwater, strong currents and rip currents. A rip current is a strong channel of water that flows away from the coast. If you find yourself in a current, stay calm and swim parallel to the shore. Then follow the waves breaking back to shore at an angle. Do not swim upstream. If you are unsure of the water conditions, you can contact your local lifeguard or click here.
– Don't swim in the food chain: Anytime you enter the ocean, you enter the wild, but there are easy ways to minimize the risk of interacting with a shark or other predatory fish, Ocearch said. Avoid swimming in areas with a lot of activity such as bird diving, fish jumping or seal swimming. You don't want to be swimming in the middle of the food chain and be mistaken for a fish, dolphin, seal or other prey. Instead, move to a quieter part of the beach.
– Be careful with marine life: While most marine life is harmless, it's important to be careful, Ocearch said. Avoid touching or approaching unfamiliar sea creatures, as some may be poisonous or aggressive. If stung by a jellyfish or other sea creature, seek medical attention.
– Safety in numbers: When possible, swim with a friend. Having someone with you increases safety as they can provide help or ask for help if needed. Do not swim far from where sharks may be patrolling.
– Swim in the ocean during the day: Don't swim between dusk and dawn, when sharks have less visual information to tell them you're not what they're looking for, Ocearch said.
– Avoid bright jewelry and brightly colored swimwear: Marine animals may be attracted to shiny objects or mistake bright colors for fish scales and may mistake them for prey, Ocearch said. If you wear bright colors or jewelry, be aware of your surroundings.
– Avoid swimming with open wounds or cuts: Sharks and other predatory fish can be attracted to the scent of blood, so it's best to avoid swimming if you're bleeding, Ocearch added. Open wounds can also become infected by bacteria in the water, so it is important to cover the wound with protective measures such as a waterproof bandage.
– Protect your skin: Apply sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and reapply frequently throughout the day.
– Stay hydrated: If you spend extended periods of time in the sun or in salt water, be sure to drink plenty of water. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and increase the risk of accidents.
– Lightning: Lightning strikes on the beach are a much bigger risk than shark bites, Ocearch said. If you see lightning or hear thunder anywhere in the area, get off the beach until the storm passes. Don't wait until the storm is upon you.
“Above all, have fun,” Ocearch said. “The ocean is an amazing, refreshing place to enjoy the holidays with friends and family. Remember, it's a wild place, not a swimming pool. We want our oceans to be healthy and filled with abundant wildlife, so ' so celebrate the beauty and fun of our oceans, but remember to be safe.”
