Nearly a Dozen Young Sharks Seen Off Pine Point Beach

Overview

• Video submitted by a local fisherman showed two 6-to-8-foot sharks swim close to a paddleboard fisherman on Tuesday, Aug. 4, and a New England Aquarium expert said the animals matched juvenile great white characteristics.
• Scarborough Harbor Master Daryen Granata said a school of seven to 10 young sharks was spotted on Wednesday, bringing sightings to nearly a dozen in less than 48 hours.
• Local park rangers and other agencies have flown drones and shared footage with marine experts to keep situational awareness while officials keep beaches open and issue safety guidance.
• Officials say there have been no reports of aggressive behavior toward swimmers or boaters so far and they urge people to avoid schools of baitfish or seals and to report any sightings immediately.
• Officials note August warm water and local prey such as baitfish and seals likely drew the sharks, and scientists say a warming Gulf of Maine and rebounding seal numbers could make sightings more common despite fatal attacks in Maine remaining rare.