50 Years Post-‘Jaws’: Why Scientists Celebrate the Rising White Shark Population off Cape Cod

There are more white sharks swimming off Cape Cod than there were two decades ago. Greg Skomal, a fisheries biologist, explains this increase is a natural result of restoring the ecosystem. White sharks, once dominant in New England waters, faced a steep decline during the 1970s and 80s due to overfishing and negative public perception, partly fueled by the film “Jaws.”

The movie released in 1975 pushed the idea that sharks were dangerous, creating a fear that lasted for years. Many viewed sharks as threats to be eliminated. “The only good shark was a dead shark,” Skomal recalls. But losing white sharks disrupted the ocean’s food chain, harming other species.

In 1993, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) began protecting Atlantic sharks. By 1997, white sharks were officially safeguarded from harvesting. The ban on hunting grey seals in 1972 helped as their population grew, providing more food for white sharks. Estimates suggest that about 800 white sharks visited Cape Cod from 2015 to 2018, a sign of recovery.

According to the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, this uptick signals a healthy ecosystem. Researcher Ashleigh Novak notes that while we don’t have a perfect measure of balance, protective measures help. Each year, beachgoers often spot the distinctive fins of these sharks.

People’s attitudes are changing. Skomal believes we are moving from fear to fascination with sharks, marking a significant shift in marine biology. He remembers watching “Jaws” at 13, inspired by the character who studied sharks. This inspiration drove him to understand sharks’ behavior, helping develop safety recommendations for swimmers.

Endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh aims to change perceptions further. Recently, he swam around Martha’s Vineyard to promote coexistence with sharks. He stresses that more than 100 million sharks are killed each year globally, despite their crucial role in marine ecosystems. This statistic highlights a pressing issue — the need to educate the public about the importance of sharks.

Despite increasing shark encounters, safety measures are in place. The National Park Service advises swimmers to stay close to shore, swim in groups, and avoid areas where seals gather.

As Pugh concluded, we need to better understand and respect sharks. While the image of sharks shifted from horror to respect, there’s still a long way to go in protecting their vital role in our oceans.



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