New Jersey’s coastline, with its diverse marine habitats, is home to a variety of shark species. From shallow estuaries and bays to the deeper offshore waters of the Atlantic, these aquatic animals navigate the currents, often as part of their seasonal migrations. Understanding the types of sharks present helps in appreciating the complex ecosystems thriving just off the coast.
Resident Shark Species
New Jersey’s coastal waters host several shark species that are either year-round inhabitants or predictable seasonal visitors. Among the most commonly encountered are the Sand Tiger shark, Sandbar shark, and Spiny Dogfish. These species exhibit distinct characteristics and behaviors, generally posing little threat to humans unless provoked.
Sand Tiger Sharks
Sand Tiger sharks, despite their formidable appearance with rows of visible, pointed teeth, are docile. They are large, robust sharks that can reach nearly 11 feet in length and weigh up to 300 pounds. These sharks frequent the surf zone, shallow bays, and even near wrecks, often resting near the bottom or hovering motionless by gulping air for buoyancy. There is evidence that Delaware Bay may serve as a nursery area for this species.
Sandbar Sharks
Sandbar sharks, also known as brown sharks, are sleek, medium-sized sharks with a gray-brown or bronze coloration and white bellies, growing up to eight feet long. They prefer bays, harbors, and river mouths, often found over sandbars, which gives them their name. Barnegat Bay and Delaware Bay are primary nursery areas for Sandbar sharks. These sharks are primarily bottom dwellers and are not considered dangerous to humans.
Spiny Dogfish
Spiny Dogfish are smaller sharks, typically reaching lengths of three to four feet. They are characterized by rows of small white spots along their sides and a sharp spine in front of each of their two dorsal fins. These sharks are highly gregarious, often forming large schools of hundreds or even thousands of individuals, and are found in cool coastal waters, from the bottom to the surface. Spiny Dogfish are common along the entire New Jersey coast, feeding on various fish and invertebrates.
Occasional Visitors and Migratory Sharks
Beyond the resident species, New Jersey’s waters also see a range of shark species that pass through as part of broader migratory patterns. These include Great White, Mako, Blue, and Hammerhead sharks, often found further offshore or seasonally.
Great White Sharks
Great White sharks are present off the New Jersey coast, with tagged individuals traveling through the area during migrations. These sharks migrate for food and breeding, with movements recorded between New Jersey and Florida. A Great White shark nursery was confirmed in the New York-New Jersey Bight, an area extending from Cape May Inlet to Montauk Point.
Mako Sharks
Mako sharks, known for their speed, are seen in New Jersey waters, particularly during summer. These highly migratory sharks can reach lengths of up to 12 feet and are often found in the open ocean.
Blue Sharks
Blue sharks are highly migratory and pelagic, found off the coast, often cruising slowly at the surface. They are recognized for their slender bodies and distinctive blue coloration.
Hammerhead Sharks
Hammerhead sharks are less commonly observed close to shore but do inhabit coastal regions and can be found in estuaries and inlets. These sharks are known for their distinctive hammer-shaped heads, which provide enhanced sensory capabilities for detecting prey. Some hammerhead species migrate north during summer.
Shark Encounters and Safety Measures
Shark encounters in New Jersey waters are rare, and unprovoked bites are uncommon. When incidents occur, they are often a case of mistaken identity, as humans are not natural prey. Sharks may bite if confused by low visibility water or movements that resemble baitfish.
To minimize risks, swimmers, surfers, and beachgoers can follow safety guidelines. Swim in groups, as sharks are less likely to approach multiple individuals. Avoid the water during dawn and dusk, as sharks are more active and visibility is lower then. Avoid wearing shiny jewelry, as reflections can resemble fish scales, attracting sharks.
Avoid areas with baitfish, active fishing, or where sewage or rivers flow into the sea, as these can attract sharks. Be cautious in murky waters and avoid excessive splashing, which can draw unwanted attention. If a shark is sighted, remain calm and slowly back out of the water.
Protecting New Jersey’s Shark Population
Sharks play an important role in marine ecosystems as apex predators. Their presence helps regulate fish populations and ocean health. New Jersey has implemented conservation efforts and regulations to protect shark species, recognizing their ecological value.
Both New Jersey and federal governments regulate shark fishing, designating certain species as “prohibited” due to vulnerability. For instance, it is illegal to take, possess, or sell Sand Tiger sharks in New Jersey, as they are a Species of Concern with low reproductive rates. If a prohibited shark is inadvertently caught, it must be released immediately without removal from the water, maximizing survival chances.
Conservation groups and researchers are actively working to understand and protect shark populations in New Jersey. The Nature Conservancy, for example, restores coastal wetlands, which serve as important nursery grounds for several shark species, including Smooth Dogfish, Sandbar, and Sand Tiger sharks. Research initiatives, such as shark tagging, provide valuable data on movements and habitat use, informing conservation strategies. These efforts are important for ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of New Jersey’s shark populations.