Study of Cape Cod shark problem finds no definitive solution

EASTHAM, Mass. — A long-awaited report on what to do about the great white sharks prowling Cape Cod waters offered more than two dozen suggestions but concluded there is nothing that can provide 100% safety.

The report by the Woods Hole Group — a coalition of towns, the Cape Cod National Seashore and Atlantic White Shark Conservancy — was released Wednesday.

"We essentially have 40 miles of open sand beaches with a really dynamic shoreline and high energy waves and shifting bar and trough systems that are moving around constantly," said Brian Carlstorm, the Superintendent of the Cape Cod National Seashore.

The 27 suggested solutions were divided into three categories: technology-based, barrier-based and biological-based.

They included visual detection with towers, drones and balloons; sonar; physical barriers; acoustic barriers; and electromagnetic deterrents.

Seal contraception and a seal or shark cull were ruled out.

The study said the most effective solution may be changing human behavior.

Barnstable County Commissioner Ron Beaty, who last summer was criticized for pitching the idea of killing off the seal population in order to curb the shark population, says this report was a waste of money.

"As time goes by each year if we don't take dramatic steps to mitigate the shark problem and seal overpopulation, which brings the sharks to our shores, then we are going to suffer each year," said Beaty.

Sharks were spotted almost daily at Cape Cod beaches last summer. One person was killed in a shark attack last year.

"In some ways, that attack and that fatality ramped up our vigilance in regards to how we recreate in the water," said Kathleen Bacon, Vice-Chair of the Wellfleet Board of Selectmen.

Some of the big changes implemented during the summer of 2019 were bleed kits and call boxes installed right on the beaches. Next year, officials plan on doing pop-up informational services for the population.

"As a rescue operation, we've really upped our game as what we are going to be able to do if God forbid someone is attacked again," said Wellfleet Town Administrator Dan Hoort.

Leaders in the outer cape communities say they will use this report as they put new strategies into place.

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Associated Press