Yes, There Are Sharks in the Chesapeake Bay
The Chesapeake Bay is visited by multiple species of sharks, typically in the summer. Most of these species are found in the higher salinity waters of the lower Bay.
- Conservation
Sharks play an essential role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems like the Chesapeake Bay. Of the dozens of shark species found in the mid-Atlantic region, here are some of the most iconic and interesting:
Sandbar Sharks
Sandbars are the most common species of shark found in the lower Chesapeake Bay! In fact, the Chesapeake and Delaware bays are two of the most important nursery grounds for sandbar sharks on the East Coast.
Like most shark species, sandbars give birth to live young after a nine-month pregnancy. Females don't typically mature until about 13 years of age and reproduce every two to three years. Sandbar sharks are typically 2 feet long at birth and can grow up to 8 feet long!
In May, we welcomed the arrival of sandbar shark pups!
Sand Tiger Sharks
The iconic sand tiger shark is one of the larger shark species found commonly in the mid-Atlantic. Sand tigers are a coastal species, opting to stay in the warmer waters near the shore. They were once common in the lower Bay during the warmer months of the year, but now occur in smaller numbers.
Though sand tigers may look threatening, they are not aggressive toward humans unless directly threatened. Females grow longer than their male counterparts, measuring up to 10.5 feet long!
As is the case with many shark species, humans pose the largest predator threat to sand tigers. Commercial and sport fishing have taken a significant toll on sand tiger populations.
Bull Sharks
Bull sharks are summer visitors to the Bay. This shark species is more tolerant of low salinity and has been found as far north as the Patuxent River in the mid-Bay region. Bull sharks can be aggressive and are responsible for many of the human-shark incidents in the tropics. To date, there have been no recorded shark-related injuries from any shark species within the Chesapeake Bay. These sharks get their name from their short snouts as well as their bullish disposition.
Bull sharks are also a coastal species, preferring to stay in the warmer, shallower waters that bays and estuaries provide. Bull sharks are opportunistic feeders—their diet can consist of almost anything, from fish, sea turtles and dolphins to other sharks.
Want to help protect sharks? Do your part to limit the amount of plastic pollution entering our ocean and waterways, make sustainable seafood choices and ensure you're keeping a safe distance from wildlife when you're exploring their habitats.