New Jersey Shark

So this blog is about sharks that visit New Jersey. There is a large portion of people in this state that have no idea that sharks swim in the ocean just off the New Jersey Coast. Here in New Jersey we get an incredibly wide variety of sharks that come close to shore and hang out offshore. Lets do a quick rundown of some of the more endangered species of shark that you can find swimming right along side of you as you swim in the ocean this summer!

Sandbar Shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus)
These sharks stick true to their names and tend to be seen in shallow waters. Out of all the large sharks that can be found in New Jersey, the sandbar shark is the most common. These sharks are seen pretty much every year cruising through the surf in search of small fish, crabs, and lobsters. Despite the fact that they are so common and big, these sharks are not known to be aggressive towards humans and are known to scare easily. They can grow to be about 6 feet long and are easily distinguished from other sharks by their very large dorsal fin. This species of shark is also known as the brown shark despite the fact that is gray in color. Sandbar sharks are currently listed as "VULNERABLE" on the IUCN's Red List. This means that on the endangered species ladder, they are just one step away from being endangered. The primary threat to these sharks is overfishing and shark finning.

Sand Tiger Shark (Carcharias taurus)
The sand tiger shark is probably the most ferocious looking shark that you can find in New Jersey. However, it is one of the most docile. The only time sand tiger sharks have been known to attack swimmers and divers is when they are provoked first. This generally passive nature has led them to get the nickname the gray nurse shark and their ferocious looking teeth have given them the nickname ragged tooth shark. These sharks are usually found in deeper water, can grow to 8 feet in length and are actually social! That's right social! These sharks have been found in caves together resting before going out on their own to hunt at night. Groups of over 100 sand tiger sharks have been seen hanging out with each other. Since they do not come in contact with swimmers and only attack divers when provoked, the sand tiger shark is considered to be harmless towards humans. Sadly, much like the sandbar shark, the sand tiger shark is currently listed as "VULNERABLE" on the IUCN's Red List. Also, much like the sandbar shark, the primary threat these animals face is overfishing and shark finning.

The Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias)
Probably the most famous shark in the world, for no good reason at all. The great white shark has been the center of fear and imagination since the movie Jaws came out. This fish is probably the most misunderstood animal in the world. Are they aggressive? Yes. Are they dangerous? Yes. Are they vicious man eaters? NO. Do they just want to eat everything they see? NO. Do they pick on humans just for fun? NO. Do they roar? NO. Do they perform incredible acrobatic tricks? Actually in certain parts in the world they do, but not in New Jersey. In fact, this past summer there were a couple sightings of great white sharks swimming just offshore this state. Was there a single attack? NO. In fact, great whites swim off the coast of New Jersey quite regularly and most people don't even realize it. The great white shark is considered to be an ENDANGERED SPECIES. In fact, many scientists feel that there are more tigers left in the world than great whites. These animals are in dire need of protection that they are slowly starting to receive. The reason these sharks have seen their populations plummet is the fact that they have been hunted to near extinction. Much of this was spawned out of fear instilled in people by Jaws and other shark attack movies.

Scalloped Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna lewini)
Another shark that fascinates millions of people around the world. This shark is one of the most famous sharks in the world because of their hammer shaped heads. They have been seen together in large schools and on their own. 2 years ago, a small school of these sharks were seen swimming near Martell's Tiki Bar in Point Pleasant N.J. No attacks occurred as the sharks were just cruising through the water looking for small fish. This shark is by no means a common site in New Jersey, but when they are here, they are quite the site to behold! Despite their beauty and amazing features, these sharks are an ENDANGERED SPECIES! The main reason for this is that they are hunted pretty much nonstop for their fins.

Those are just a few of the more endangered species of shark that you can find living in New Jersey. Some of the other species of shark that you can find both in New Jersey and on the endangered species list include Whale Sharks, Basking Sharks, Shortfin Mako Sharks, Great Hammerhead Sharks, Tiger Sharks, Nurse Sharks, Lemon Sharks, Blue Sharks, Thresher Sharks, Smooth Dogfish, Porbeagle Sharks, and even Bull Sharks. All of these sharks are in dire need of help and this state is really not doing its part. One sure fire way to tell is the fact that right here in Point Pleasant Beach there is a shortfin mako kill tournament that takes place every year. The Mako is the worlds fastest shark and it is being hunted to extinction with virtually no help... Again though... These sharks are just some of the sharks that you may encounter either out on the ocean on a boat or swimming in the surf. Again these animals are magnificent creatures and should be treated with respect.