The waters of Washington State, encompassing the Pacific coastline and the inland fjords of Puget Sound, are home to a permanent population of sharks. Most species inhabit these cold, nutrient-rich environments deep below the surface, leading to infrequent encounters with humans. The most common species found here are either relatively small or primarily deep-dwelling.
Species Frequently Encountered in Washington
The deep, cold trenches of the Puget Sound are an important habitat for the Bluntnose Sixgill Shark (Hexanchus griseus). This heavy-bodied shark can reach an impressive length of 18 feet, though adult females average around 14 feet long. The Sixgill Shark is easily identified by its unique set of six gill slits.
Another substantial resident is the Pacific Sleeper Shark (Somniosus pacificus), a cylindrical, dark gray to black shark with a short, rounded snout. Mature individuals commonly measure between 12 and 14.5 feet in length, though specimens up to 23 feet long have been documented in the deep ocean. Both the Sixgill and Sleeper sharks are adapted for life in the abyssal zone.
The most abundant shark in Washington waters is the Spiny Dogfish (Squalus acanthias), a smaller species often encountered closer to shore. These slender sharks typically grow to a length of 2.5 to 5 feet and are distinguishable by their grayish-brown bodies, often marked with white spots. The Spiny Dogfish possesses a defensive spine located immediately in front of each of its two dorsal fins. Other species, such as the migratory Salmon Shark (Lamna ditropis) and the Broadnose Sevengill Shark (Notorynchus cepedianus), also frequent the outer coast.
Shark Distribution in Washington State
The inland waters of Puget Sound provide a sheltered, deep-water environment particularly suitable for the Bluntnose Sixgill Shark. The Sound serves as an important nursery area where juvenile Sixgills, often measuring eight to nine feet long, reside until they mature and migrate toward the open Pacific.
The Pacific Sleeper Shark also resides in the Puget Sound, generally remaining in the deepest parts of the basin. These large, deep-sea species are primarily nocturnal and conduct vertical migrations, rising toward the surface to feed only at night. Conversely, the Spiny Dogfish is found throughout the entire region, inhabiting both the Sound and the outer coast in large, schooling aggregations.
The expansive Pacific coast hosts a greater variety of transient species that follow migratory paths along the continental shelf. The Salmon Shark, a powerful predator that resembles the Great White Shark, is a common sight off the coast but is less frequently observed within the confines of Puget Sound. Certain species, like the Common Thresher Shark (Alopias vulpinus), may move into shallower coastal waters during the late summer and early fall, though they prefer the open ocean.
Understanding the Threat Level
Historically, the danger posed by sharks in Washington waters is extremely low, with only two documented nonfatal attacks in the state’s recorded history. Both of these incidents occurred in the coastal waters of Grays Harbor and were attributed to the Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias).
The Great White Shark is not a resident of Washington but is an occasional, rare visitor typically found along the outer coast. Since its presence is transient and it does not inhabit the Puget Sound, the chance of an encounter is low. Resident sharks, including the Sixgill and Pacific Sleeper sharks, are non-aggressive, deep-dwelling animals whose primary diet consists of fish, squid, and crustaceans. The Spiny Dogfish is small and generally skittish, making it an unlikely threat to swimmers or divers.
The behavioral patterns and deep-water habitat preferences of the largest sharks mean that their paths rarely cross with human activity. In fact, the relationship between humans and sharks in the region is one where the animals are at greater risk. Several local species, including the Spiny Dogfish and the Basking Shark (Cetorhinus maximus), have faced conservation issues due to overexploitation and bycatch from fisheries.