SEA ISLE CITY, N.J. — A woman walking along the beach in Sea Isle City made an unsettling discovery Wednesday morning when she found 29 dead sharks washed ashore over a stretch of approximately 10 blocks.
Michelle Greenling told CBS Philadelphia she initially wasn’t alarmed after spotting the first few sharks, but quickly realized something unusual was happening as she continued her walk.
“Seeing the first couple wasn’t too surprising,” Greenling said. But after finding a fourth and fifth shark, she said, “I knew something was up.”
By the end of her walk, Greenling had counted 29 dead sharks, several of which appeared to have red markings on their undersides.
“It was definitely concerning,” she said. “I was concerned about the water. I was concerned about the sharks.”
Marine experts believe the animals were likely juvenile spiny dogfish, a small species of shark commonly found in the waters off New Jersey. While the exact cause remains unknown, several explanations are being considered.
Stephen Nagiewicz, an adjunct professor of marine science at Stockton University, told CBS Philadelphia that changing tides may have stranded the young sharks before they died.
“A couple of things it could be,” Nagiewicz also told 6ABC. “There’s something in the water, and they got sick and died. That’s probably unlikely since people haven’t been affected.”
Another possibility, he said, is that commercial fishermen discarded the sharks offshore after catching them unintentionally, allowing currents and tides to carry the carcasses onto the beach.
Key Points
- A woman discovered 29 dead sharks along approximately 10 blocks of beach in Sea Isle City.
- Marine experts believe the sharks were likely juvenile spiny dogfish that may have stranded during changing tides or were discarded offshore by fishermen.
- The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has been notified, and the exact cause remains unknown.
Spiny dogfish are among the most abundant shark species along the Atlantic Coast. They often travel in large schools and are frequently caught as bycatch in commercial fishing operations targeting other species.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has been notified of the reported shark deaths. As of Thursday, officials had not announced whether the sharks would be collected for examination or whether an investigation had determined a definitive cause.
Although seeing dozens of sharks on the beach may be alarming, experts emphasized there is currently no indication that the deaths were caused by a water quality issue affecting swimmers. No illnesses or unusual conditions affecting beachgoers have been reported.
Late summer is also a period when marine life becomes more active along the Jersey Shore as warmer ocean temperatures attract baitfish, sharks, dolphins and other species closer to the coastline. Wildlife experts say isolated fish and shark strandings can occur naturally, though discovering nearly 30 animals in one location is uncommon.
FAQ
What kind of sharks were found?
Experts believe the animals were juvenile spiny dogfish, a small shark species commonly found in Atlantic waters off New Jersey.
Why were so many sharks on the beach?
The cause has not been confirmed. Experts say the sharks may have become stranded by tides or may have been discarded offshore after being caught by commercial fishermen.
Is it safe to swim at Sea Isle City?
There is currently no indication that the shark deaths were caused by a water quality issue affecting swimmers. No illnesses connected to the incident have been reported.
Did anyone report the discovery?
Michelle Greenling reported finding the sharks while walking the beach and shared her observations with local news outlets.
Is the state investigating?
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has been notified of the incident. Officials have not yet announced a definitive cause.
Sources: CBS Philadelphia, 6ABC Philadelphia, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Stockton University.
