FYI New Jersey: Shark Sightings Increase By 1,000% Off U.S. Coast

We have assembled some interesting facts about shark sightings, attacks, etc., in the state of New Jersey.

However, it’s important to note that as it relates to New Jersey — shark attacks are rare.

The last shark attack was in May, 2023, when 15-year-old surfer Maggie Drozdowski was pulled underwater by her foot, in Stone Harbor, New Jersey.

Although rare, these kinds of attacks are on the rise because the Sharon population has increased a lot in recent years.

The reason for shark population increase is the passage of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which was enacted to preserve certain kinds of sea life.

Before this intervention by government, local fishermen were allowed to regulate the shark population and keep them away from people.

The Northeast is being disproportionately affected, as sharks migrate annually from the Gulf of Mexico.

Basking Shark — not considered a threat to humans.
Dusky Shark — Known to avoid humans, unless provoked.
Great White Shark — The undisputed, most deadly shark. They kill about 20 people each year. A nursery of Great White sharks was located in the Cape May Inlet shout 8 years ago.
Hammerhead Shark — Are also an aggressive species. One was spotted in New Jersey about 2 years ago.
Sandbar Shark — They mind their own business, they’re small and people swim with them. A nursery was spotted recently in Great Bay, New Jersey.
Sand Tiger Shark — They look scary, but, they’re similar to sandbar sharks. There has beer been a sand tiger shark attack ever recorded in New Jersey history. The last sighting in New Jersey was in 2022.
Thresher Shark — pretty timid and last seen in New Jersey about 2 years ago.
Shortfin Mako Shark — They are both aggressive and fast swimmers. Last seen in New Jersey in 2017.