The Pacific Northwest, encompassing the coastal waters of Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, is home to a diverse array of shark species. These cool, temperate waters support a significant shark population. These marine predators play an important role in the complex ecosystem of the North Pacific.
Common Shark Species
Several shark species inhabit the Pacific Northwest. The Salmon Shark, a relative of the Great White, is found from British Columbia down to Baja California. These powerful swimmers measure between 6 to 8 feet and maintain a body temperature warmer than the surrounding water, which aids their hunting in cold environments. Their diet primarily consists of salmon, squid, and herring.
Blue Sharks are also present, recognized by their slender bodies and distinctive blue coloration. These sharks are circumglobal, found in temperate waters worldwide, and can reach lengths of 6 to 9 feet. They primarily feed on squid and small fish. While found offshore, they are known to pose a risk to humans.
The Great White Shark, an apex predator, occasionally ventures into the Pacific Northwest. These sharks can grow up to 21 feet long. Although capable of inflicting serious injury, encounters with humans are rare.
The Basking Shark is another inhabitant, holding the title of the largest fish in the Pacific Northwest and the second largest worldwide. These gentle giants can grow up to 40 feet long and are filter feeders, consuming plankton rather than hunting larger prey. They are docile and pose no threat to humans.
The Broadnose Sevengill Shark is distinct for having seven gill slits, unlike most sharks which have five. These sharks can reach up to 10 feet in length and are opportunistic predators, feeding on a wide range of prey including rays, other sharks, and bony fish. They inhabit shallow coastal waters and estuaries, which serve as important nursery grounds for their young.
Where Sharks Roam
Sharks are distributed throughout the Pacific waters of Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska. Their habitats vary by species, ranging from deep offshore waters to shallow coastal areas and even specific bays or inlets. Many species, such as the Blue Shark, prefer the open ocean.
Other species, like the Broadnose Sevengill Shark, are observed in shallower coastal environments, including bays and estuaries like Willapa Bay in Washington. These areas provide important nursery grounds for their pups. While some species, such as the Bluntnose Sixgill Shark, are common in the deeper parts of Puget Sound, others are less common in the enclosed waters of the Salish Sea.
The presence and movement of certain sharks, like the Salmon Shark, are linked to the migration patterns of their primary food sources. Their distribution can fluctuate seasonally as they follow prey like Pacific salmon. This interaction highlights the interconnectedness of marine life in the region.
Understanding Shark Encounters
Unprovoked shark incidents in the Pacific Northwest are rare, especially given the number of people who engage in water activities. Washington state has recorded only two unprovoked non-fatal shark attacks since 1837, both occurring in Grays Harbor County. Similarly, Oregon has documented a low number of unprovoked incidents, with only one fatal attack recorded in 1975 and approximately 30 unprovoked incidents since 1974.
Many shark encounters are believed to be cases of mistaken identity, where sharks may confuse humans with their typical prey, especially in murky water or low visibility conditions. Sharks are curious rather than aggressive when they approach humans. If a shark does become aggressive, targeting sensitive areas like the snout, gills, or eyes can deter it.
Those recreating in Pacific Northwest waters can take several precautions to minimize the already low risk of an encounter. Avoiding swimming during dawn and dusk, when sharks are more active and visibility is poor, is recommended. It is also wise to stay out of areas with active fishing or concentrations of marine mammals, as these can attract sharks.
Wearing plain, darker-toned swimwear and avoiding shiny jewelry can reduce visual contrasts that might resemble fish scales. Limiting excessive splashing and swimming in groups can also contribute to safety. If a shark is sighted, remaining calm, maintaining eye contact, and slowly moving towards shore without sudden movements are recommended responses.