Shark Presence in New England Does Not Represent Dangerous Risk

DURHAM — Amid reports of shark attacks on Martha’s Vineyard, many are asking: could it happen here?

Statistics show that in New Hampshire, there has never been a reported shark attack.

In comparison, Massachusetts and Connecticut – two of the six states in New England – have had a combined total of five attacks. Two of these attacks were fatal in Massachusetts; the last fatality occurring in 1936.

Conversely, according to the International Shark Attack File Web site, there have been eight lightning fatalities since 1959 in New Hampshire.

In an article published in Woods Hole, Mass., shark specialist Gregory Skomal said “the greatest danger is too much attention” when it comes to shark sightings.

New England is home to various species of sharks, including Blueshark, Thresher, Basking and yes, the feared Great White.

According to the New England Sharks Web site, great white sharks “have a wide temperature tolerance range and can withstand cold water temperatures in the 40s.”

However, the risk of a shark attack in New Hampshire is almost nonexistent. There have been no recent sightings in decades of Great White sharks in the granite state; but in 2004, great alarm spread when one was spotted in an estuary in Massachusetts. The shark remained there for two weeks.

Skomal had not sound worried in the article. “It’s a rare opportunity,” he said about seeing the 15-foot shark.

It eventually left the somewhat enclosed area, but people were worried of the danger that the presence caused and worse, future sightings of sharks in the vicinity.

Heightened fear can be contributed directly to the media, said Skomal. Particularly, the film “Jaws” in 1975 has provoked an array of fear about potential shark attacks.

The film, listed the second Most Heart-Pounding American Movie on the American Film Institute’s Top 100 Thrills list has resonated throughout the years.

In fact, the island where “Jaws” was filmed, Martha’s Vineyard, is where the unconfirmed sightings occurred.

Meanwhile, there are some tips offered by experts to reduce the risk of a shark attack. Reducing high contrast color apparel is recommended because sharks have impressive contrast visibility.

Similarly, maintaining a swimmer’s position as quiet as possible is important. Staying calm, though difficult, is crucial because sharks are attracted to erratic movement.