Receivers installed at Outer Cape will track great white sharks this summer

CHATHAM — The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy is trying to make swimmers safer from sharks this summer. The organization installed acoustic shark receivers along the Outer Cape on Tuesday and Wednesday.

How do shark receivers work?

The receivers were installed at North Beach Island in Chatham, Nauset Beach in Orleans, Newcomb Hollow Beach in Wellfleet and Lecount Hollow Beach in Welfleet.

The receivers send information to the Conservancy’s Sharktivity app. Users who log in to Sharktivity can see where great white sharks have been detected on the receivers.

The real-time receivers detect white sharks that have been tagged with acoustic transmitters. The number of pings the receivers receive gives scientists an idea of ​​the amount of shark activity along the coast. However, the organization says a lack of pings on the receiver does not necessarily mean there are no white sharks in the area and encourages beachgoers to listen to lifeguards.

Why are there so many sharks on Cape Cod?

In 2023, a study found that Cape Cod has a hotspot for white sharkswith an estimated 800 white sharks in Massachusetts waters from 2015 to 2018. Sharks are often attracted to the abundance of seals that live there and which they prey on.

While shark numbers off the coast of Massachusetts typically peak in late summer and early fall, when waters are warmest, the New England Aquarium said white shark season is definitely going on in New England.

How can you protect yourself from sharks?

Beachgoers should be aware of their surroundings and practice shark safetyThe Atlantic White Shark Conservancy website offers tips for staying safe when spending a day at the beach:

• Please note that sharks hunt seals in shallow water.
• Stay close to shore so rescuers can reach you.
• Swimming, paddling, kayaking and surfing in groups.
• Avoid areas where seals are present.
• Avoid areas where schools of fish are visible.
• Avoid cloudy water or water with poor visibility.
• Limit splashes.
• Please obey all signs and flags on the beaches.
• Follow the lifeguards’ instructions.