Great White Shark Sightings Surge in Maine, Nova Scotia

Great white shark sightings have notably increased along the coasts of Maine and farther north into Atlantic Canada, including Nova Scotia and the Cabot Strait. Researchers attribute this rise to the rebound in seal populations, which are the sharks' primary prey, as well as possible shifts in habitat use during warmer months. Since 2020, Maine alone has recorded 93 unique great white sharks, with similar significant increases reported in Nova Scotia. Despite this uptick, experts emphasize that the risk of shark attacks remains extremely low, with only two fatal shark attacks in Maine since 1837 and one fatal attack in 2020. Local communities and officials have begun issuing advisories and caution flags at beaches to inform the public, while scientists continue monitoring these apex predators as they expand their range northward. The phenomenon underscores a broader ecological shift linked to conservation successes and changing ocean conditions.