As the temps drop, the apex predators head down south for the winter.
And local shark researchers as a result remove the real-time white shark detectors from the water.
The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy is letting the public know that there are no longer any real-time white shark detector buoys off Cape Cod.
The shark buoys will not transmit detections of tagged white sharks via the AWSC Sharktivity app until next shark season.
“As we conclude another season of successfully researching and tagging white sharks in collaboration with the MA DMF, we’re thankful for another season of safe coexistence between sharks and people on and around Cape Cod,” said Cynthia Wigren, CEO of the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy.
“However, even as the temperatures drop, there’s never a guarantee our waters are shark-free, and anyone continuing to use our waters in colder weather should keep taking shark-smart precautions,” Wigren added.
The detector buoys are removed to protect them from damaging winter storms and to prepare them for use next summer.
Meanwhile, a dead white shark pup recently washed up in Plymouth.
“Recovered a white shark pup that washed up on a beach in Cape Cod Bay,” shark researcher John Chisholm posted.
“We don’t see many pups in the Bay this time of year but it’s a reminder that white sharks are still in the area,” Chisholm added.
Over the winter, AWSC researchers will compile this year’s findings, download data from the detector buoys, and update the AWSC White Shark Catalog.
AWSC has identified more than 700 individual white sharks since it began monitoring the population in 2014. The Sharktivity app will continue to be updated over the winter with reported sightings and detections of sharks tagged with satellite trackers.
In addition to researching white sharks, the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy delivers a range of educational services for Cape Cod residents and visitors.
AWSC’s Chatham and Provincetown Shark Centers greeted more than 21,000 visitors, provided educational programs and outreach to more than 7,000 students, and welcomed nearly 300 guests aboard its charter boats — including 23 veterans provided with complimentary trips through AWSC’s partnership with Heroes In Transition.
John Alexander of Heroes in Transition said, “Thanks to the incredible generosity of the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy and their partners, our veterans and service members get to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe and learn about these magnificent creatures up close and in their natural habitat.”
