Great White Shark Observed Feeding on Seal Near Nantucket

A great white shark was observed feeding on a seal off the coast of Nantucket on Sunday, causing the surrounding waters to appear red. The incident was recorded by Carrie Drayton and Tyler O’Brien near the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge while they were en route to Great Point for a fishing trip. The video of the event was shared on social media and gained significant attention. According to the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, the population of great white sharks around Cape Cod has increased over the past decade, largely due to the recovery of gray seals, which are a primary food source for the sharks. This year, Nantucket has seen an uptick in shark sightings. In June, fisherman Elliot Sudal caught an estimated 8½- to 9-foot great white shark from the island’s south shore. Sudal noted that sharks have been appearing earlier in the season in recent years, even when water temperatures remain low. In response to several incidents involving anglers targeting sharks near swimmers and surfers, Massachusetts officials have implemented stricter regulations on shore-based shark fishing around Nantucket, citing public safety concerns. Gregory Skomal, a senior fisheries scientist with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, stated that the observed behavior of great white sharks in the area is typical as they migrate north.