Only on Boston 25: A deeper dive into shark tagging on Cape Cod

CHATHAM, Mass. — It’s officially peak white shark season and, on Cape Cod, researchers are studying their every move. Boston 25 joined a group of researchers affiliated with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy on Tuesday, getting a first-hand look at how sharks were being tagged off the coast of Chatham.

For shark expert Dr. Greg Skomal, it’s a thrill that doesn’t get old.

“Every time I see a white shark, it’s like seeing my first. I absolutely love it,” he said.

Dr. Skomal tagged his 25th and 26th sharks of the season as Boston 25 crews watched from the boat.

“The odds are always against us, so when we finally get one on, it’s a big celebration,” explained John King, skipper of the research vessel.

The tagging was a coordinated effort between a plane that spotted the sharks, Captain King who got the boat close, and the tagger. Dr. Skomal did a sweep with his camera on either side of the shark before the tag was placed at the base of the dorsal fin.

Within six hours, Boston 25 saw at least 20 sharks; some already tagged, and some not. Many swam into deeper water as soon as the boat got close.

“We want to know how they behave in shallow water,” Dr. Skomal explained. “And so these tags are answering some of those basic questions. Not what they’re doing month to month or week to week; I want to know what they’re doing minute to minute, even second to second.”

Dr. Skomal said that knowing shark behavior, specifically around seals, should help keep the public safe.

“The more we know about what these animals are doing and where they’re likely to be in a three-dimensional space, in shallow water, the better we can inform the public as to where not to be,” he said.

He added that the tagging was far from over.

“I’m anticipating well over 30 sharks this year,” he said.

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