Dusky Sharks Make Rare Comeback Off New England Coast
Rare shark spotted off New England coast
Image: Abc7 News
Dusky sharks, once nearly extinct, have been spotted feeding on seals off the New England coast, marking a significant recovery for the species. Federal protections and conservation efforts have contributed to their resurgence, with sightings increasing around Cape Cod and Nantucket.
- 01Dusky sharks were nearly hunted to extinction in the late 20th century, with populations declining to 15-20% of their mid-1970s numbers by 2006.
- 02Federal protections since 2000 have classified dusky sharks as a prohibited species, requiring fishermen to release them.
- 03In 2023, researchers captured video evidence of dusky sharks actively hunting seals, a behavior previously undocumented.
- 04Dusky sharks are beginning to recolonize historical habitats off southeastern Massachusetts, with increased sightings reported.
- 05Between 2003 and 2022, no dusky sharks were caught by researchers, but two females were caught in December 2022, indicating a population rebound.
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Dusky sharks, a species that faced near extinction due to overfishing in the late 20th century, have recently been spotted off the coast of New England, particularly around Cape Cod and Nantucket. Marine biologists, including John Chisholm from the New England Aquarium, have noted that these sharks, previously mistaken for great whites, are now seen actively preying on seals. Federal protections, such as the prohibition of shark finning and targeted conservation measures since 2000, have helped their populations recover. In 2023, significant evidence emerged when a dusky shark was filmed hunting a seal, confirming their predatory behavior. This marks a notable shift, as previous sightings had only shown them as scavengers. The increase in sightings, including the capture of two dusky sharks in December 2022, suggests a positive trend for the species, which had not been recorded in the area for nearly two decades. Experts emphasize the importance of continued protections and monitoring to ensure their recovery.
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The resurgence of dusky sharks could positively affect local marine ecosystems by restoring natural predator-prey dynamics.
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