Washington State’s marine areas consistently host a dozen or more shark species, despite the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest. These waters, including the deep trenches of the Pacific Ocean and the inland fjords of the Salish Sea, support a diverse shark population. While many species remain in the offshore depths, their presence confirms that Washington’s complex ecosystem is part of their natural range.
Notable Shark Species Found in Washington Waters
The most abundant shark in Washington waters, particularly inland, is the Pacific Spiny Dogfish (Squalus suckleyi). This species typically reaches lengths between three and four feet and has a slender, gray body often marked with scattered white spots. It possesses a pair of sharp, venomous spines located just in front of each of its two dorsal fins. The Spiny Dogfish is an opportunistic feeder, preying on small schooling fish, squid, and crustaceans, and is notable for its extremely long gestation period, which can last up to 24 months.
The Bluntnose Sixgill Shark (Hexanchus griseus) is a much larger resident, resembling ancient ancestors with six gill slits instead of the usual five. This species can grow up to 16 feet long and weigh over 1,000 pounds, making it the largest shark found in Puget Sound. Its specialized teeth feature a comb-like row of multiple cusps used for sawing through tough prey. Juveniles frequently utilize the productive waters of Puget Sound before migrating to the deep ocean as adults, feeding on bony fish, other sharks, and marine mammals.
Another notable species is the Salmon Shark (Lamna ditropis), a pelagic visitor often mistaken for a smaller Great White Shark due to its robust, torpedo-shaped body. This active predator typically grows to between six and ten feet. It is known for its ability to maintain a body temperature warmer than the surrounding cold water. As its name suggests, its diet primarily consists of salmon, along with herring, sablefish, and squid. The Salmon Shark is an offshore traveler, occasionally approaching Washington’s outer coast in pursuit of migrating prey.
Distribution and Habitat within the Region
The Puget Sound and the greater Salish Sea offer a unique inland habitat, with deep basins and cold water that provide sanctuary for several species. Juvenile Bluntnose Sixgill Sharks are common inhabitants of the Puget Sound, using its sheltered, prey-rich waters as a nursery ground. These younger sharks are often found in relatively shallow water at night. However, the species typically spends its adult life diving to depths of thousands of feet in the open ocean.
The Pacific Spiny Dogfish also thrives in the inland waters, often forming schools that migrate between shallow coastal areas and deeper winter habitats. This species is found in the Sound year-round, utilizing depths from the surface down to over 4,000 feet. Conversely, large species like the Salmon Shark and the occasional Great White Shark are primarily associated with the open Pacific Ocean off the western Washington coast. These sharks are transient visitors following migratory prey like salmon and marine mammals, and are far less common in the enclosed waters of Puget Sound.
Assessing Risk to the General Public
The presence of multiple shark species naturally raises questions about the risk to humans in Washington’s waters. However, the chance of an unprovoked shark attack is statistically negligible. The majority of resident species, such as the Spiny Dogfish and the Bluntnose Sixgill Shark, are either small and non-aggressive toward humans or inhabit deep-water environments. The Sixgill Shark, despite its size, is a deep-water dweller that shows little interest in people, and no serious injuries or fatalities have ever been recorded from this species.
Historically, the few recorded incidents in Washington have involved Great White Sharks, which are rare visitors rather than permanent residents. Only two non-fatal, unprovoked shark attacks have been recorded in the state’s history, both occurring off Grays Harbor County and involving surfers. The risk is minimized because the sharks present are generally deep-dwelling or focused on their natural prey.