For the second time in two weeks, the Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center has reported a basking shark sighting off the South Jersey coast.
Basking Sharks Spotted Off South Jersey Coast
On August 1, the center posted a video on Facebook showing a basking shark swimming approximately five miles off the coast of Cape May. This shark, estimated to be between 15 and 20 feet long, is the second-largest shark species alive today. In July, a similar basking shark was spotted near Wildwood, also estimated to be 15 to 20 feet in length. The Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center believes that these sightings likely involved two different sharks. They noted that the shark seen near Wildwood had distinct notches on its dorsal fin, which did not match those of the shark observed near Cape May.
Harmless Giants of the Sea
Basking sharks are known for their gentle nature and are generally not considered a threat to humans. According to the Florida Museum of Natural History, these sharks primarily feed on zooplankton, using their large mouths to filter small marine organisms from the water. Their docile behavior and diet make them a fascinating sight rather than a cause for concern.
Ongoing Shark Sightings and Seasonal Patterns
Recently, a new video of a potential shark sighting in Cape May has been circulating on Facebook. CBS News Philadelphia has contacted the Cape May Beach Patrol for additional information regarding this latest sighting. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection reports that the coastal shark species commonly encountered by anglers include sandbar, dusky, spiny dogfish, common thresher, shortfin mako, and blue sharks. However, sightings of basking sharks are relatively rare and noteworthy.
Shark sightings along the Jersey Shore tend to increase during the summer months as sharks migrate north in response to warmer waters. As temperatures begin to cool in the fall, these sharks typically head back south. The recent sightings of basking sharks highlight this seasonal migration pattern and remind beachgoers of the dynamic marine life off the South Jersey coast.