FORECASTER • July 14, 2022
Recently, summer has brought a new kind of seasonal visitor to Maine. Sharks aren’t new. They’ve been here all along. Maine waters are home to eight different species: thresher sharks, basking sharks, porbeagles, sand tigers, shortfin makos, blue sharks, the spiny dogfish and the famed great white. Many are providing solutions to problems we face. The spiny dogfish, for example, has a genetic structure scientists are using to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease. The great white, however, the star of Hollywood horror, is also showing up more frequently. Contrary to the sensationalized press they receive, great whites are not mindless killers, nor are they hunting us. Seals they do enjoy. I’m grateful for sharks playing their part to keep this planet working. Gratitude aside, I’m also planning to stay out of the water for a bit. Be safe, be well and stay curious. ~ Heather D. Martin