Shark Sightings Surge Across New York Beaches as Great White Heads North
Summary
Researchers are tracking two large great white sharks traveling north along the East Coast, including near New York beaches. At the same time, shark sightings have increased in New York, leading to several temporary beach closures and more monitoring efforts.Key Facts
- A 12-foot, 1,000-pound female great white shark named Ernst was first seen near Montauk, New York, in June and is moving toward Atlantic Canada.
- Another shark called Contender, nearly 14 feet long and over 1,650 pounds, is following a similar path.
- Shark sightings at Rockaway Beach, Queens, reached 23 between late May and early July 2026, including a record 16 in the first five days of July.
- New York has increased drone, boat, and aerial monitoring, which helps spot sharks more easily.
- Environmental changes, such as more bait fish and warming ocean temperatures, may be attracting more sharks closer to shore.
- Several beaches, including Point Lookout and Rockaway Beach, have been temporarily closed due to shark activity.
- A swimmer suffered a non-life-threatening bite likely from a small sand tiger shark at Jones Beach over the July Fourth weekend.
- Scientists say shark presence is a sign of a healthy ocean and that serious shark attacks remain very rare worldwide.
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