A biology professor from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is leading a new research effort in Saco Bay to track juvenile white sharks. Professor Diego Bernal and his team operate from local beaches at night, aiming to tag 30 sharks to better understand their residency patterns and movement along the Maine coast. This work addresses recent public concerns regarding increased shark sightings near Scarborough and Pine Point Beach.
Contrary to rumors circulating on social media, the research team does not use chum to attract the animals. They employ standard shore-fishing techniques with bait on a hook and operate under a state-issued license from the Maine Department of Marine Resources. The team coordinates with local municipalities and the Maine Marine Patrol to ensure public safety. Research activities take place exclusively between sunset and sunrise on weekdays, and the team halts operations if swimmers are spotted in the water.
When a shark is caught, the handling process is rapid. The team brings the animal into shallow water, measures it, identifies its sex, documents unique markings, and attaches a tag to the dorsal fin. Professor Bernal emphasizes that the entire procedure takes less than two minutes to minimize stress on the juvenile sharks. The goal is to determine if these sharks are merely passing through or if they are establishing residency in Maine waters.
This project adds to existing monitoring efforts. Since 2020, the Maine Department of Marine Resources has deployed acoustic receivers along the coast, with 36 sites active as of 2025. Data from these receivers indicates that while white sharks are present, the residency habits of locally tagged juveniles may differ from those tagged elsewhere. The new study in Saco Bay seeks to provide the specific data needed to confirm these findings and improve our understanding of marine life in the region.