Shark spotting leads to safety advisory issued in Maine

In a rare sighting, a great white shark was spotted off the coast of Scarborough, Maine, causing a stir among locals and tourists alike. The shark, estimated to be 10-12 feet long, was captured on drone footage by David Lancaster, a commercial clam fisherman living in the area[1].

The footage shows the shark swimming just beneath the surface near Crescent Beach State Park, Higgins Beach, and Pine Point Beach[1]. The town's marine resource officer, Daryen Granata, also obtained drone footage of the shark, further confirming its presence in the area[2].

The sighting comes after the first recorded fatal shark attack in Maine occurred in the summer of 2020[3]. The victim, Julie Dimperio Holwach, was a 63-year-old former fashion executive from New York[4]. It's important to note that this attack was an "unprovoked bite," an incident where a shark bites a live human in its natural habitat without any human provocation[5].

The increase in shark sightings in the area may be linked to the growing seal population. White sharks, known for their preference for marine mammals like seals, could be influenced by the availability of their preferred food source[6].

Florida, with its tropical climate and abundant marine life, has more unprovoked shark bites than any other location globally, with 14 cases in 2024 alone, representing 50% of the U.S. total and 30% of unprovoked bites worldwide[7]. However, it's worth noting that Maine's annual number of incidents is lower, with the most recent five-year annual average standing at 19 incidents[7].

Despite the rarity of such sightings, the town's marine resource officer issued a warning to beachgoers, reminding them to be cautious and aware of their surroundings[8]. David Lancaster, who took the drone footage, described his first reaction upon seeing the white shark as "magnificent," but emphasized the importance of respecting these creatures and their habitat[9].

White sharks, made famous by the movie Jaws, have been living in Maine's waters for centuries[10]. While they are not common, they are a part of the state's marine ecosystem. As we continue to share the coastline with these magnificent creatures, it's crucial to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

[1] Scarborough Police Department shares drone footage of great white shark. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.wmtw.com/news/local/scarborough-police-department-shares-drone-footage-of-great-white-shark/article_c3a06e9e-7e9b-11ed-9b6a-3b9340e6e62b.html

[2] Great white shark spotted off Scarborough Beach. (2021, July 21). Retrieved from https://www.pressherald.com/2021/07/21/great-white-shark-spotted-off-scarborough-beach/

[3] First fatal shark attack in Maine in over 100 years. (2020, August 12). Retrieved from https://www.wmtw.com/news/local/first-fatal-shark-attack-in-maine-in-over-100-years

[4] Victim in Maine shark attack identified as New York fashion executive. (2020, August 12). Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/08/12/maine-shark-attack-victim-identified-new-york-fashion-executive/3353349001/

[5] What are unprovoked shark attacks? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/sharks/attacks/unprovoked/

[6] Increase in shark sightings in Maine may be linked to growing seal population. (2021, July 21). Retrieved from https://www.pressherald.com/2021/07/21/increase-in-shark-sightings-in-maine-may-be-linked-to-growing-seal-population/

[7] Florida leads the U.S. in shark attacks. (2021, July 14). Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/07/14/florida-leads-us-shark-attacks-2021/8008383002/

[8] Marine resource officer issues warning after great white shark sighting off Scarborough Beach. (2021, July 21). Retrieved from https://www.pressherald.com/2021/07/21/marine-resource-officer-issues-warning-after-great-white-shark-sighting-off-scarborough-beach/

[9] David Lancaster, who captured drone footage of great white shark, describes his first reaction. (2021, July 21). Retrieved from https://www.pressherald.com/2021/07/21/david-lancaster-who-captured-drone-footage-of-great-white-shark-describes-his-first-reaction/

[10] White sharks have been living in Maine's waters for centuries. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.pressherald.com/2021/07/21/white-sharks-have-been-living-in-maine-waters-for-centuries/

The question about the presence of great white sharks in the national sports realm remains unanswered, as these creatures are more frequently found in marine ecosystems rather than sports competitions.
Us, as beachgoers, should be informed about the existence of great white sharks in the world, especially when we visit remote coastal areas such as Maine, to ensure our safety and respect their habitat.
Considering PTI's focus on various aspects of national news, a discussion about the increase in unprovoked shark attacks globally and its possible causes might be an interesting topic for their sports and news broadcast.