White shark sightings draw attention to coastal waters

MAINE PUBLIC • August 7, 2026

Half a dozen recent shark sightings off the coast of southern Maine have some beach communities concerned for public safety. The Scarborough Police Department posted footage of what researchers have identified as two juvenile white sharks near Pine Point beach, and urged beachgoers to remain vigilant. Matt Davis, a scientist with the Department of Marine Resources, and University of Maine assistant professor Walter Golet, were out tagging sharks Friday about 20 miles offshore. Davis says while caution is always a good idea, there is no need for widespread fear and the white sharks were identified as juveniles.