Circulating rumors of the shark attacks on Amity Island beaches have left some New Hampshirites wary of wading into the water, but with only 17 miles of coastline, a shark attack on New Hampshire beaches seems highly unlikely.
So what exactly are the odds of a New Hampshire beachgoer encountering a Great White Shark like the man-eating Jaws? Not likely, according to history.
The International Shark Attack File has reported 6 unprovoked shark attacks in New England since 1670, none of which were from New Hampshire. Of these attacks, one was reported in Connecticut, one in Rhode Island and the other four in Massachusetts, two of which were fatal. The last fatality was dated at 1936.
Dr. David Berlinsky, associate professor of zoology and the current Director of the Center for Marine Biology at the University of New Hampshire says that a shark attack in New Hampshire while not impossible is not likely, "We've seen sharks far off the coast in the Atlantic Ocean but there have been no reported sightings of sharks within swimming distance so it seems highly unlikely anyone at Hampton Beach for instance could be attacked by Jaws."
Sharks that swim off the coast of New England include: the thresher, tiger, angel, basking, blue, dusky, mako, spiny dogfish, sharpnose, smooth hammerhead, sandbar, porbeagle, sandtiger, smooth dogfish and even the dreaded great white.
So what exactly are the odds of a New Hampshire beachgoer encountering a Great White Shark like the man-eating Jaws? Not likely, according to history.
The International Shark Attack File has reported 6 unprovoked shark attacks in New England since 1670, none of which were from New Hampshire. Of these attacks, one was reported in Connecticut, one in Rhode Island and the other four in Massachusetts, two of which were fatal. The last fatality was dated at 1936.
Dr. David Berlinsky, associate professor of zoology and the current Director of the Center for Marine Biology at the University of New Hampshire says that a shark attack in New Hampshire while not impossible is not likely, "We've seen sharks far off the coast in the Atlantic Ocean but there have been no reported sightings of sharks within swimming distance so it seems highly unlikely anyone at Hampton Beach for instance could be attacked by Jaws."
Sharks that swim off the coast of New England include: the thresher, tiger, angel, basking, blue, dusky, mako, spiny dogfish, sharpnose, smooth hammerhead, sandbar, porbeagle, sandtiger, smooth dogfish and even the dreaded great white.
So what do you do if you encounter one of these beasts of the deep?
Experts agree that the best preventative methods: are to avoid sandbars and steep dropoffs, sites frequented by sharks. Avoid bright colored bathing suits and jewelry as sharks see contrast well. Refrain from excess splashing. Avoid the waters at dusk, dawn, and night.
If you spot a shark: calmly exit the area, releasing any catch you may have been fishing for.
If a shark attacks: concentrate blows to the eyes, nose and gills, these are the most sensitive areas.
Further Links:
International Shark Attack File
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/sharks/isaf/isaf.htm
Fast Facts on Sharks of New England
http://www.morebeach.com/north-atlantic-ocean/new-england-sharks.html
International Shark Attack File
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/sharks/isaf/isaf.htm
Fast Facts on Sharks of New England
http://www.morebeach.com/north-atlantic-ocean/new-england-sharks.html
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