In 2017, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) cut the Atlantic Menhaden or Bunker harvesting quota by 10% for the 2021-2022 year. The mass-harvesting via large nets of these small, gray baitfish has contributed to decreasing Bunker populations, however, this cut, along with other factors, has offset the population decline, creating a thriving population of Bunker on our East Coast. Bunkers have, in turn, drawn a great number of aquatic creatures to our shores. Sharks, dolphins, whales and more have been flooding our coastal waters in search of this abundant bait fish population.

Globally, there are roughly 100 shark attacks reported each year, yet in 2023 alone, the East Coast has already seen two attacks and more shark sightings. Many of these sharks are simply preying on small baitfish such as Bunker or larger species which also feed on these baitfish. Regardless of the true reason, sharks are arriving in greater numbers than before along our coast and it would serve us well to be mindful of this.

Daniel Abel, a professor in Marine Science at Coastal Carolina University, said to WPED that swimmers and beachgoers should try “not to swim at dawn and dusk” and especially not near “schools of small fish”. These are simply preventative measures as shark attacks are rare, yet the increase in attacks is something we should take notice of.
The increased bait fish population has not only grabbed the attention of sharks, as other sea creatures have been spotted in greater numbers along the coast as well.

Sophomore and surfer, Kilian Schlager, said that he “has seen an increase in wildlife like whales breaching, dolphins, and skates”. This coincides with the roughly twenty whales reported beached along our shores this annual year by the Northern Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Increased Bunker populations in conjunction with an average two degree celsius rise in our coastal waters, which have drawn baitfish populations closer to shore, have also brought whales closer to shore as well. Large cargo ships which travel these inshore paths can sometimes strike these whales, leaving them dead or wounded.

Despite this, beachgoers should not have to keep the fear of shark attacks or beached whales in the forefront of their minds as they get ready for summer. Sharks rarely attack humans when unprovoked, and if you ever come across a beached whale simply steer clear and call your local stranding network’s number.