Great white shark pinged near Tillamook: What to know about Oregon’s shark season

Recent reports have sparked interest along the Oregon coast, specifically near Tillamook, with the detection of a tagged white shark. The sighting, or more accurately, a location “ping,” originated from a 16-foot female white shark named Kara, tracked as recently as January 29 near Tillamook Bay.

Shifting Terminology and Scientific Focus

Scientists are increasingly advocating for the use of “white shark” rather than “great white shark,” aiming to move away from sensationalized language. As Taylor Chapple, associate professor at Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science centre, noted, “The other thing I like to tell people is that it’s just sort of redundant because every shark is great.” This shift reflects a focus on scientific accuracy and a desire to reduce unnecessary alarm.

Did You Know? Michael Domeier, president of the Marine Conservation Science Institute, has studied sharks for decades and has appeared on shows within the Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week.”

Migration Patterns and Research Efforts

Kara is one of six large adult white sharks tagged in October near Point Conception, California. While migration isn’t unprecedented for tagged sharks, Domeier indicated this is only the second instance of a tracked shark traveling this far north. Researchers hope to continue tracking Kara to potentially locate pupping grounds.

The Marine Conservation Science Institute offers an app, Expedition White Shark, for $3.99, allowing users to view tracking data from eight actively tagged sharks.

White Sharks in Oregon: A Seasonal Occurrence

Despite the attention Kara’s ping received, white sharks are not uncommon along the Oregon coast. Chapple explained that white sharks are one of 16 shark species seasonally observed in the area. They typically arrive between January and February, migrating from Mexico and California to feed on marine mammals like seals and sea lions, and also to coincide with the availability of lingcod.

A recent sighting near Waldport involved a smaller, approximately 9-foot white shark consuming a harbor seal.

Expert Insight: The tracking of sharks like Kara provides valuable data on their movements and behaviors, helping scientists understand their life cycles and ecological roles. This information is crucial for effective conservation efforts.

Long-Term Behavior and Limited Human Risk

Oregon State University’s Big Fish Lab, established in 2019, currently maintains between 100 and 150 active tags on various shark species along the West Coast. Research indicates that white sharks spend roughly half their time along coastal areas and the other half in the central Pacific Ocean, between Baja and Hawaii, where they are believed to mate.

White sharks can live up to 70 years and are among the few warm-blooded fish species, an adaptation that enhances their hunting efficiency in colder waters. Despite their predatory nature, Chapple emphasized that they “are not out to get us,” and humans are not typically on their menu.

Historically, there has been only one documented fatality from a shark attack off the Oregon coast, occurring in 1975 when a boat capsized 200 miles northwest of Astoria.

Supporting Research and Conservation

Individuals interested in supporting the Big Fish Lab’s research can contribute through the purchase of Oregon’s shark-themed licence plate, the “Vibrant Ocean” plate, which features a salmon shark, a thresher shark, and a blue shark.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of tagging sharks?

Researchers put tags on sharks in order to learn where they are going, and to better understand their behavior and migration patterns.

Are white sharks common in Oregon?

White sharks are seasonally spotted off the Oregon coast, typically arriving between January and February to feed on marine mammals and lingcod.

Is it safe to swim in the ocean off the Oregon coast?

White sharks generally do not pose a danger to humans, and attacks are rare. The only fatality from a shark attack off the Oregon coast happened in 1975.

Given the ongoing research into white shark migration and behavior, what further insights might be gained from continued tracking efforts like those led by the Marine Conservation Science Institute and Oregon State University’s Big Fish Lab?