Jaws Sidebar

*DISCLAIMER- Okay, like Charlie, I too emailed two experts from the UNH Marine Science program, neither of whom got back to me in time, so I borrowed a source from Fosters (http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120715/GJNEWS_01/707159912)
I hate to do it this way, but desperate times call for desperate measures.


Despite the recent Amity Island shark attacks resulting in the deaths of two swimmers, New Hampshire beach-goers have nothing to worry about.

Last week, Chrissy Watson, 17, and Alex Kint, 10, both of Amity, were brutally killed in what police determined were shark attacks. The events stirred a panic in beach-goers across New England, but local shark experts are assuring that New England waters remain safe, as the majority of the local shark population is made up of non-violent Blue Sharks. According to Tony LaCasse, spokesperson for the New England Aquarium, the commonly-feared Great White Shark is usually found only south of Cape Cod thanks to the Granite State's differing geography and relatively low seal population.

"Blue sharks are the most common large shark in New England waters," said LaCasse. "Shark density in New England and shark encounters in New England are really low compared to the rest of the country. But there are sharks there all the time, but they're generally off shore."

There have been 5 unprovoked shark attacks in New England since 1670, according to the International Shark Attack File, none of which were attributed to Blue Sharks.

While New Hampshire shark encounters may be rare, LaCasse encourages swimmers to remain cautious and alert, and to flee the scene in the case of a potential attack.

"When there's a shark presence people should still be getting out of the water," he said. "It's about being prudent and cautious. It's like any large wildlife and we need to closely monitor those kinds of animals."