Overview
- National Geographic photographer Brian Skerry, working with local charter captains, recorded a juvenile or female great white removing a fish directly from a fishing line using a small camera attached to a bridle and lure.
- Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries shark expert Greg Skomal said this is the first underwater video showing shark depredation, giving visual confirmation of a behavior fishermen have long reported.
- Charter captains and recreational anglers report more mauled catch, damaged gear and lost clients, which could hit local businesses that rely on fall fishing trips.
- Scientists and conservation groups link the rise in nearshore great white sightings to a rebound in gray seal numbers that concentrate shark prey closer to shore.
- The new footage sharpens questions for regulators about fishing rules, beach safety and how to balance shark conservation with protecting anglers and tourism.