A shark was reportedly spotted off Grays Beach in Machiasport on August 11 by someone clamming in the area. The species has not been confirmed, but the sighting is a timely reminder of the variety of marine life found in our Downeast waters.
What May Be Drawing Sharks into the Area?
The simple answer is food. During the summer, seals travel through our river inlets and bays, while large schools of pogies—also known as Atlantic menhaden—move through coastal waters. Herring, mackerel, squid, bluefish, porpoises, and other marine life may also contribute to the seasonal feeding activity.
Different shark species pursue different prey. Young white sharks feed primarily on fish and squid, while larger white sharks increasingly favor seals and other marine mammals. Maine’s Department of Marine Resources reports that white sharks are most often observed along the Maine coast during July, August, and September.
River mouths, tidal channels, and protected bays can concentrate baitfish as the tide moves, attracting larger fish and, occasionally, the predators that follow them. In other words, cold water does not mean empty water—our bays support a busy and interconnected coastal ecosystem.
Awareness on the Water
Shark encounters remain uncommon, but kayakers, paddleboarders, boaters, and people working or walking along the shore should remain observant.
- Give seals and schools of fish plenty of space.
- Avoid paddling directly through active feeding areas.
- Paddle with others when possible.
- Do not approach or pursue a shark for a closer look.
- If you safely capture a photograph or video, submit it to the Maine Department of Marine Resources for identification.
A shark that has not been tagged will not appear on the OCEARCH Shark Tracker. The absence of a tracker ping therefore does not mean that sharks are absent from an area.
The reported visitor to Gray’s Beach has not yet been identified, but its appearance offers a fascinating glimpse into the wild coastal environment we share. Learn more or report a sighting: Maine DMR Coastal White Shark Activity and White Shark Identification Request Form.