Why Shark Warnings Are Returning to the East Coast

Ahead of the July 4 holiday period, New York is urging beachgoers to be "Shark Smart" as the annual summer migration brings sharks into coastal waters-part of a broader East Coast pattern of sightings, tracking reports and renewed surveillance from Maine to Florida.

But researchers and officials say the attention does not necessarily mean sharks are suddenly becoming unusually aggressive or appearing in unprecedented numbers. New York officials describe shark activity as part of an annual June-to-September migration and say the presence of sharks is also a sign of a healthy marine ecosystem, while there is "no evidence" sharks in New York are intentionally pursuing or attacking humans.

New York: More Drones, New Guidance

New York's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) issued new "Shark Smart" guidance on June 24, saying the annual summer migration of sharks into state coastal waters is underway and that nearshore sightings are expected to increase from June through September.

The DEC said "human-shark interactions are rare," but urged beachgoers to avoid seals, schools of fish, splashing fish, diving seabirds, murky water and swimming at dusk, night or dawn; it also advised swimming, paddling and surfing in groups, staying close to shore and following lifeguards and park staff.

The state has also expanded surveillance. Governor Kathy Hochul's office said Long Island State Parks will have 46 drones for peak season, after 16 were added, and 67 certified drone operators by July 4, including Park Police, lifeguards and park staff. Those drones are used to look for sharks and large schools of fish that may attract them.

New York officials describe the presence of sharks as part of a normal marine ecosystem, not an emergency. The DEC says more than 13 shark species migrate through New York marine waters each year and that shark presence is "a positive sign of a healthy marine ecosystem." Its public safety page also says there is "no evidence" sharks in New York are intentionally pursuing or attacking humans, and says most unprovoked incidents are test bites when sharks misidentify humans as prey.

New Jersey: Tagged Sharks Offshore

New Jersey's shark season is being monitored in part through tracking data. Marine research organization OCEARCH-tagged white sharks have been reported off New Jersey or nearby waters this spring and early summer.

Its coastline is part of the same New York Bight watched by officials in New York, where sharks move through shared coastal waters from Cape May to Montauk.

Maine: Local Flags After a Great White Sighting

In Harpswell, Maine, officials raised a "shark flag" at Cedar Beach after a Great White Shark was reported a few hundred yards offshore while a fisherman was setting gear around 4 p.m. on June 29, according to news station WGME. It said the beach remained open and that the flag system was intended to help visitors make informed decisions. The same area was the site of Maine's first fatal shark attack in 2020.

Massachusetts: Research Expands on Cape Cod

On Cape Cod, researchers are expanding their work in Cape Cod Bay and on dusky sharks near Nantucket. CAI reported that Atlantic White Shark Conservancy scientist Megan Winton and Massachusetts shark biologist Greg Skomal plan to tag juvenile white sharks in the bay and use camera tags to study their behavior.

Researchers have also documented dusky sharks preying on seals off Nantucket, with beachgoer and boater footage helping identify the species, per the outlet.

Florida: Most Bites, But Recent Declines

Florida has historically recorded more shark bites than any other U.S. state, but recent numbers are down. The Florida Museum's International Shark Attack File (ISAF) said Florida had 11 unprovoked bites in 2025, below its recent five-year annual average of 18, while the U.S. total had decreased overall during the previous five years. Globally, ISAF confirmed 65 unprovoked shark bites in 2025, close to the recent five-year average of 61.

Are Sightings Actually Increasing?

The answer is not straightforward. New York expects more sightings during the June-to-September migration, but researchers have previously noted that the region lacks sufficient data to determine whether shark populations in New York waters are increasing or changing their distribution.

In New York City, experts told Gothamist that more drones can produce more sightings and closures without proving there are suddenly more sharks.

Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Ben Kelly and Sam Wilson.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published June 30, 2026 at 12:49 PM.