North Carolina Expected to See Increased Shark Activity Around Beaches

As the summer of 2024 approaches, shark enthusiasts and beachgoers alike are turning their attention to the waters off the coast of North Carolina. The Outer Banks, known for its pristine beaches and abundant marine life, is expected to see an increase in shark activity from April through June.

Several great white sharks have already made their presence known in the region. Keji, a 9-foot-7 inch, 578-pound juvenile male, recently pinged just east of Kitty Hawk. Other notable sharks, such as Anne Bonny and Simon, have also been detected in the area.

According to OCEARCH, a nonprofit research organization that tags and tracks sharks, the continental shelf waters around the Outer Banks serve as a staging area for sharks before they head north to the waters around Nova Scotia later in the summer. During this time, sharks take advantage of the abundant food supply to prepare for their migration.

In addition to great whites, sand tiger sharks are expected to aggregate in large numbers on the wreck of the Caribsea in July. These passive and photogenic sharks are a favorite among divers and photographers, who flock to the area to capture stunning images of these creatures in their natural habitat.

Based on the provided search results, the North Carolina beaches most likely to have shark sightings during the summer months are:

1. Emerald Isle Beach: Located in the Outer Banks, Emerald Isle Beach is considered one of the world's most shark-infested beaches. The coastal waters off Emerald Isle serve as a major migration route for sharks, especially during sunset when they feed.

2. Holden Beach: This beach has had six documented shark attacks in recent years, although none were fatal.

3. Ocean Isle Beach: Also ranking in the top five for shark attacks in North Carolina, Ocean Isle Beach has had six reported incidents.

4. Outer Banks (Kitty Hawk): Great white sharks, such as the 9-foot-7 inch, 578-pound juvenile male named Keji, have been detected near Kitty Hawk and the Outer Banks during the summer months.

5. Wrightsville Beach: While not explicitly mentioned in the search results, Wrightsville Beach is a popular spot for shark sightings due to its proximity to the Gulf Stream and the presence of baitfish.

While the increased shark activity may cause concern for some beachgoers, it is important to remember that shark attacks on humans are rare. By following simple safety guidelines, such as avoiding swimming at dawn or dusk and steering clear of areas with fishing activity, the risk of a shark encounter can be greatly reduced.

As the summer progresses, researchers from OCEARCH will continue to monitor shark movements and collect valuable data through their tagging efforts. This information will not only help us better understand these fascinating creatures but also contribute to the conservation of our oceans and the diverse marine life they support.