Shark Watch: 9 Surprising Species of Sharks Found in New Jersey

The Jersey Shore isn’t just for beach days, boardwalk fries, and ocean breeze, it's also home to some surprising visitors beneath the waves: sharks.

While most are harmless and rarely interact with humans, it’s still important to know what’s out there if you’re taking a dip in New Jersey’s coastal waters.

Shark Sightings Are Rising at the Jersey Shore

There are several shark sightings each year at the Jersey Shore, especially during the warmer summer months. As ocean temperatures rise and water conditions improve, more species are being spotted closer to shore than ever before.

While the chances of an incident are incredibly low, it’s always wise to stay informed and aware.

 Meet the 9 Sharks Swimming Off New Jersey’s Coast

Great White Shark

New Jersey coast is home to a very large great white shark nursery. It's called New York Bight, which spans from Montauk, New York, to Cape May, New Jersey is a well-known great white shark breeding ground.

Atlantic Common Thresher Shark

Shortfin Mako Shark

The pronounced snout on this shark makes it look quite menacing. Makos can also be identified by their very large/long gills.

Sandbar Shark

Bull Shark

Bull sharks are sometimes regarded as the most dangerous to humans due to their unprovoked aggression and the fact that they can be found in freshwater and saltwater. It was believed to be a bull shark in the infamous movie Jaws.

Sand Tiger Shark

Smooth Dogfish Shark

They are commonly found in our bays and are so tiny (up to 4 feet long).

Hammerhead Shark

Basking Shark

This shark is weird looking. They are plankton-eating sharks.

Tips to Stay Safe While Swimming in Shark Territory

Sharks play a crucial role in the ocean ecosystem, and most species around New Jersey are no threat to humans. Still, it’s smart to follow beach warnings, avoid swimming at dawn or dusk, and never swim near large schools of fish or seals.

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Shark sightings remind us that we share the sea with some incredible creatures, so swim smart, respect the ocean, and stay alert.