Great White Shark Landed in Beverly (From a few years ago...)

In a summer that had its share of unusual weather and fishing, the catch that perhaps made the biggest splash was the 18 foot Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) that was brought into Beverly Harbor on August 18th. It has been a strange year for sharks off Massachusetts. This great white capped off a summer that included catches of sand tiger sharks in both Salem Harbor and Hingham Bay and a world record blue shark caught off Martha's Vineyard.
This remarkable shark was landed by Richard and Michael Birarelli on the Jean B. after finding it entangled in their dogfish gillnet about 10 miles outside of Salem Sound. Presumably, it was caught accidentally and "drowned" because it was unable to swim freely and respire. Biologists from DMF's Cat Cove Marine Laboratory identified the shark based on its pointed dorsal fin, mottled gray and white coloration, widely spaced triangular teeth, and above all, large size. Landing a great white of this size in the western North Atlantic is highly unusual.

Recognizing the opportunity to collect valuable biological samples, the crew of the Jean B. allowed DMF biologists to dissect the shark. The National Marine Fisheries Service Apex Predator and DMF's Shark Research Programs provided sampling instructions. Biological samples have been collected from fewer than 10 adult white sharks in the western North Atlantic.

DMF's biologists disassembled the huge shark in front of hundreds of onlookers. Camera crews and journalists from many local TV networks and newspapers came by to publicize this unusual event. Examination of the white shark's stomach may have been the crowd's favorite. A 31 pound harbor porpoise, remains of two dogfish, and a rock crab were in the stomach.

Based on fin and body measurements, this 18 foot shark weighed at least 2,500 pounds and was probably the largest female ever sampled in this region.This female's reproductive organs were saved for NMFS shark biologists to determine maturity and reproductive condition. This species is believed to mature at 16 feet. Age is difficult to determine in sharks, but preliminary estimates for this species would place her at about 18 years old. In addition to vertebrae used for age analyses, white and red muscle were saved for genetic analysis; the heart was saved for anatomical and parasite inspection.

White sharks probably visit the Gulf of Maine each year making the trip to areas with an abundant food source _ marine mammals. Nevertheless, landings in Massachusetts Bay are extremely rare. For example, data from DMF's shark tournament sampling program show that of 3,700 sharks reported since 1987, not a single white shark has been captured by recreational tournament fishermen.

To better understand the abundance and ecology of sharks off Massachusetts, since 1987, DMF's Shark Research Program has conducted field work and cooperative research with other agencies such as the NMFS Apex Predator Program. Also, seminars on the ecology, exploitation, and ongoing studies of New England sharks are routinely presented throughout the Commonwealth. Commercial and recreational fishermen who encounter unusual sharks, like the great white, are encouraged to contact DMF so we may learn more about the biology of sharks in our waters.

This magnificent great white provided unique biological data. Furthermore, the many children who buzzed around E Dock that afternoon gained lasting memories. The Birarellis and other fishermen of E Dock who helped out should be credited with the type of cooperation that leads to better fisheries management.

by Brad Chase, Rusty Iwanowicz, and Greg Skomal