Shark Researchers Deny Attracting Great Whites To Southern Maine Beaches

A growing number of coastal Maine ocean aficionados are holding scientists responsible for the unusually large numbers of killer sharks along the beaches.

But the researchers deny their work is attracting an abnormally high number of great whites to the shores of York and Cumberland counties.

The debate over shark sightings is becoming more pronounced as increasing numbers of the world’s largest predatory fish made famous by the 1975 movie “JAWS” are scaring swimmers.

A great white last week even grabbed hold of a Scarborough lifeguard’s rescue buoy while the guard was swimming on shark patrol 50 yards off the beach.

The discussion lighting up social media is what’s going on with all these sharks.

Justin Cooper of Kennebunk, a fishing guide, is suspecting the researchers of attracting the sharks.

The experiment Cooper is referring to is being done by University of Massachusetts personnel off Old Orchard Beach, just south of Scarborough.

They are fishing at night for sharks to try to learn about their behavior patterns.

UMass researchers insist they aren’t unduly attracting sharks, according to WCSH-TV.

The team received a state permit last month to conduct the research.

The researchers denied rumors that they are haphazardly dumping bait to attract more sharks.

Cooper isn’t necessarily sure of the research methodology but he’s certain of one thing – the numbers of sharks in southern Maine defy logic.

“This is not normal for our area and is likely causing numerous juvenile white sharks to come to Old Orchard and Scarborough to Wells far more than the normal amount. I am guessing not many are aware of this,” he said. “I certainly was not and I am very displeased with this action.

“I can absolutely tell you as a local fishing guide that the number of sharks and the activity of them attacking fishermen’s boats and eating their fish is not normal for the Maine coastline.”

Jarrett Treuhaft, an avid surfer, told Haskell he supports scientific research but questions whether fishing for sharks close to shore is appropriate.

“I understand research. I’m all for that,” Treuhaft said. “However, it should be done in a safe manner.”