A scientist from OCEARCH, involved in studying one of the largest white sharks tagged, recently shared insights on how to handle potential shark encounters.
This particular candidate, a 14-foot shark, was fitted with a tracking device in the North Atlantic earlier this year. The location is about 45 miles from both the Florida and Georgia coasts and near Jacksonville, having been spotted recently after leaving Pamlico Sound, North Carolina.
There have been various shark-related incidents recently, including a report of a 9-year-old girl who was bitten on the hand near Boca Grande, Florida.
Dr. Harley Newton, the chief scientist and veterinarian at Oceanarch based in Jacksonville, Florida, has dedicated her career to shark research and public education.
She offered some surprising tips on what to avoid while swimming in the ocean. And if you ever find yourself in close proximity to a shark, here’s what she recommends:
Try to steer clear of swimming at dawn or dusk, stick to shallower waters, swim with companions, and avoid shiny jewelry that might catch a shark’s eye.
If you see a shark, it’s best to keep eye contact and slowly back away without turning your back.
Even though attacks are uncommon, Dr. Newton stresses the importance of being cautious and respectful of ocean life.
“The oceans are wild places,” she noted.
She also pointed out that if you’re in the water and see fish jumping, it’s probably a good idea to leave—their activity can attract sharks, potentially leading to an accident.
In her view, encounters with sharks shouldn’t be panicked but approached with awareness. Maintaining eye contact with the shark is crucial for safety.
If absolutely necessary, defending yourself by hitting a shark’s nose might deter it, but this should really be a last resort.
Dr. Newton highlighted bull and tiger sharks as particularly dangerous due to their size and behavior when near humans.
She emphasized that all sharks deserve our respect and caution.
Dr. Newton is also keen on dispelling myths surrounding sharks.
For example, contrary to popular belief, sharks can actually develop cancer, and they don’t have the ability to smell blood from incredible distances; usually, it’s just up to the length of an Olympic swimming pool, not the fantastical distance often imagined.
“They’re mostly searching for their usual prey when humans come into play,” Dr. Newton clarified.
OCEARCH’s tracking of these shark candidates has given researchers significant insight into migration patterns. The movement from Florida northward along the Atlantic coast has revealed new information about adult male shark behavior.
“Capturing and tagging adult males this January was a thrilling moment for us,” Dr. Newton noted. “We were excited to gather data and release him.”
This ongoing research aids scientists in understanding shark habitats better, identifying overlap with human activities, and potentially minimizing negative interactions.
Regular monitoring of shark movements helps support both conservation efforts and public safety by providing essential data. This allows for better beach management and informs the public about sharing their environment with these apex predators.
As summer approaches, bringing more people to Atlantic coast beaches, Dr. Newton emphasizes that respecting marine life is crucial for safety.
“We need to remember that we’re in their environment,” she mentioned.
She concluded, “Sharks are vital to a healthy marine ecosystem, and with some basic precautions, we can enjoy the ocean safely while honoring these ancient creatures that have been around for over 400 million years.”
Tip
Avoid swimming at dawn or dusk when sharks are most active.
Stay close to the shore to exit the water quickly if needed.
Swim with a buddy rather than alone.
Remove shiny jewelry that might attract sharks.
Be aware of your surroundings, especially if fish are jumping, as this could signal predators nearby.
Sharks can be attracted to feeding or injured fish, making it wise to steer clear of fishing areas.
If you encounter a shark, maintain eye contact and back away slowly.
