New Jersey’s position along the Atlantic Ocean places its coastline within a major migratory pathway, resulting in a diverse population of sharks. The waters off the coast, from shallow estuaries to the deep continental shelf, host many species throughout the year. While large, highly migratory sharks garner public attention, the vast majority of species are smaller and pose virtually no danger to people. The presence of these sharks changes depending on the season and the water temperature.
Common Coastal Species of New Jersey
The most frequently encountered shark in the nearshore environment is the Smooth Dogfish, often mistakenly called a “sand shark.” This relatively small shark typically grows to a maximum length of about five feet, though most individuals are closer to three feet in size. Smooth Dogfish prefer shallow coastal waters and bays, often congregating in depths less than 60 feet over mud and sandy bottoms. New Jersey’s Great Bay and Little Egg Harbor serve as important nursery areas where the pups feed and grow.
Another common species is the Spiny Dogfish, identifiable by the small spines located in front of its two dorsal fins. Unlike the Smooth Dogfish, this species undertakes long-distance seasonal migrations that can exceed 5,000 miles. Spiny Dogfish prefer cooler water, ranging from 33.8 to 65.4 degrees Fahrenheit, and are typically found over the continental shelf. While adults stay offshore, juveniles are sometimes found closer to the coast, and both species are considered non-threatening to humans.
The Sand Tiger Shark is a summer resident of the coastal waters, easily recognizable by its rows of jagged, protruding teeth. Despite their intimidating appearance, Sand Tiger Sharks are docile and are not known to pose a threat to people. These sharks use the shallow, productive waters of Barnegat Bay and Delaware Bay as nursery grounds for their young. Tagging studies show that both the Sand Tiger Shark and the Sandbar Shark are common large species found along the coast during the warmer months, often occupying the “surf zone.”
Pelagic and Rare Visitors
Farther offshore, in the deeper, open ocean waters, larger migratory species are present as seasonal visitors. The Great White Shark is a regular presence in New Jersey waters, particularly during the summer and fall migration periods. Tracking data from research organizations like OCEARCH have documented large individuals, such as a nearly 14-foot male named Contender, traveling thousands of miles along the Atlantic coast. This research confirms the existence of a Great White Shark nursery in the New York-New Jersey Bight, where juveniles feed and grow.
The Shortfin Mako is a fast shark that is a pelagic visitor to the region. It can reach lengths of up to 12 feet, with a New Jersey record specimen weighing over 900 pounds caught far offshore in the Hudson Canyon. While juveniles may be found in coastal waters near the continental shelf edge, adults primarily inhabit the open ocean. This makes them less likely to be encountered near the immediate coastline compared to residential species.
The Common Thresher Shark is familiar to fishermen along the Jersey Shore. This shark is easily identified by its exceptionally long, whip-like tail, which can be nearly as long as its body. The Thresher Shark uses this elongated tail to herd and stun schools of small prey fish. Threshers typically grow between eight and ten feet in length and are seasonal visitors that migrate along the coast.
Seasonal Movements and Habitat
The presence and distribution of shark species in New Jersey are dictated by fluctuations in ocean water temperature. As the water warms in the spring, sharks begin their annual migration northward from their wintering grounds to follow their prey. This movement causes a peak in shark presence along the coast during the summer months, which is also when human activity in the ocean is highest.
Coastal water temperatures increase from 35 degrees Fahrenheit in February to a summer peak of up to 74 degrees Fahrenheit in late July and early August. This thermal shift creates distinct habitat zones that determine where different shark species can be found. The nearshore bays and estuaries, with their warmer and shallower waters, function as sheltered nursery areas for juvenile sharks.
Beyond the immediate coast, the continental shelf and deep-water canyons, such as the Hudson Canyon, act as highways and feeding grounds for larger, pelagic sharks. Species like the Shortfin Mako and Great White Shark utilize these cooler, deeper waters, often staying 20 to 100 miles offshore. The seasonal warming of the inshore waters is the primary biological trigger that brings sharks into the New Jersey region before they migrate south again as temperatures drop in the late fall.