At least three great white sharks have been detected lurking in waters off New York and New Jersey with two more thought to be on their way to the beaches.
The most recent sightings are Caper, who measures 8ft with and weighs 348lbs, Cabot at 9ft weighing 533lbs, and Caroline at 12 feet 9in and 1,348lbs, according to the Ocearch online shark tracker.
Caroline’s electronic tag was heard alarming off the New Jersey Shore on July 1, Caper’s tag on June 4, and Cabot’s on June 8.
Another great white shark, Vimy, who measures 13ft and 1,164lb, was tracked off the Delaware coast.
Mary Lee, who used to be tracked from 2012 to 2017 but the tracker battery has stopped working, is also believed to be well and swimming.
Chris Fischer, the founder of Ocearch shark tracker, said he expects an increase in shark numbers if seals began to stay in the area.
“People should not be terrified of an ocean that’s full of sharks. They keep everything in balance,” he said.
“So, if we want to make sure that our great grandchildren can eat fish sandwiches, we need lots of big sharks.”
He also urges people who wish to swim to continue with their plans as the chances of being attacked by a shark are very slim.
One internet user commented: “Sharks need to be left alone. We need them. Obey the signs at beaches when they say ‘no swimming.’”
Another wrote: “They have always been there. We just now have the technology to track them. They aren’t interesting in eating humans. Their main prey is seals. Occasionally they mistake a human for a seal, which surfers look like from below.”
A third said: “My daughter is like Look at the cute Charkies daddy lol. Ohhh no.”
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