Maine
Maine's Great White Sharks And What We Know So Far
New research reveals that over the past 13 years, more than 100 great white sharks have been … More
Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Over the past 13 years, great white sharks have increasingly made their presence known off Maine’s coast. More than 100 individual sharks have been detected, with the majority of sightings occurring in recent years and notably in shallow waters. This shift in behavior has prompted researchers to dive deeper into understanding what these sharks are doing in Maine’s waters, and their latest findings have just been published in Frontiers in Marine Science. The research is the result of collaboration between the Maine Department of Marine Resources, the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, and several other organizations.
“We are excited to have this study published and continue to expand our understanding of white sharks in the western North Atlantic and the coastal waters in Maine,” said Matt Davis, the lead author of the study and a scientist with the Maine Department of Marine Resources. “This work could not have been done without the collaboration of many researchers and organizations, and we thank everyone involved.”
This study is particularly significant because it marks the first time that researchers have been able to track the movements of white sharks over time in the region. The effort started in 2020, following a tragic event when a swimmer was killed by a white shark off the coast of Harpswell, marking Maine’s first recorded fatal shark bite. In response to this incident, officials at the Maine DMR worked closely with other groups to expand the study of white sharks and their behavior in Maine’s coastal waters. The team used an array of receivers placed along Maine’s coastline, from York and Ogunquit to Kennebunk and Reid State Park. These receivers were designed to detect sharks that had been tagged off Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and Hilton Head, South Carolina.
“We are excited to have this study published and continue to expand our understanding of white … More
Getty Images
With the data collected over the years, researchers were able to develop a clearer picture of the sharks’ movements and behavior patterns in the area. The findings show that these sharks are spending time in waters less than 50 meters (164 feet) deep off Maine, with peak sightings occurring between July and September; this aligns with previous observations of white sharks using similar habitats in other regions. But what stands out in this recent study is how often these sharks are detected during daylight hours. Half of the shark detections occurred during the day, a time when beaches are typically busy with human activity. This was particularly true along areas like Ogunquit, Kennebunk, and Head Beach in Phippsburg, which had some of the highest numbers of shark detections.
Despite the uptick in shark sightings, the team also found that the frequency of white shark detections along Maine’s beaches was still relatively low compared to other regions where these sharks are known to frequent. For example, areas off Cape Cod, which has long been known as a hotspot for white sharks, saw far more frequent detections. The team emphasized that while the presence of sharks in Maine waters is notable, there is no reason to believe that humans are at significant risk. While sharks are often feared, they are a vital part of the marine ecosystem, playing an important role in regulating the populations of other marine species. Their presence in Maine’s waters suggests a healthy marine environment, which could be beneficial for the overall ecosystem.
The scientists hope the findings of this study will help inform future management strategies in Maine. By understanding where and when white sharks are most likely to be detected, researchers and policymakers can better communicate with the public about how to safely enjoy Maine’s beaches without unnecessary fear. As Maine continues to see more shark detections in its waters, studies like this will be crucial in ensuring that shark conservation efforts continue while also keeping human safety a priority.
Maine
AG Frey and U.S. Rep. Pingree highlight importance of state-level legal challenges to counter Trump
The sugar house at Pineland Farms, where many Maine Maple Sunday activities were hosted last weekend. Rory Sweeting / Lakes Region Weekly
Maple farms all across the Lakes Region celebrated Maine Maple Sunday, a 42-year-old statewide celebration of Maine’s maple syrup industry.
Many of the farm operators said that they expected a significantly higher turnout compared to last year. In 2024, Maple Weekend coincided with a massive snowstorm, which blanketed the Lakes Region in particular in up to 12 inches of snow, and severely disrupted attendance and celebrations across the state.
Sen. Angus King, fourth from right, visited Greene Maple Farm in Sebago. Contributed / Greene Maple Farm
One of the longest Maine Maple Weekend traditions in the state is that of Greene Maple Farm in Sebago. According to Alan Greene, one of the farm’s current owners, his father began holding Maple Sunday events even before it became a statewide holiday in 1983. Perhaps because of how long they have been celebrating, Greene Maple Farm saw several high-profile visitors, including Sen. Angus King and Maine Department of Agriculture Commissioner Amanda Beal.
Greene explained that his farm has 1,200 taps and makes roughly 400 gallons of syrup a year. Regarding Maple Sunday plans, he said that the farm planned to do tapping demonstrations, give tours of the sugar house and sell products such as maple cotton candy, coffee and pancake mix. He expected a turnout of around 1,500 people over the course of the weekend, in addition to 400 people attending a pancake breakfast that Greene Farm was holding at Sebago Town Hall.
Shank Painters, a Portland-based pirate-themed band, after playing at Grandpa Joe’s Smoke House. Rory Sweeting / Lakes Region Weekly
Also celebrating Maple Sunday in Sebago was Grandpa Joe’s Sugar House. Co-owner Ben McKenney, alongside Jack Wadsworth, a forester and friend of the farm, explained that the sugar house has been celebrating Maple Weekend for more than 30 years, and that they had a strong attendance this year. In addition to selling maple products such as cotton candy and whoopie pies, the sugar house hired multiple live entertainment acts, including the Maine Squeeze Accordion Ensemble, as well as the Shank Painters, a Portland-based pirate-themed band.
“It takes a village to run this Maple Sunday,” joked McKenney.
Coopers Maple Products, a Windham-based maple farm, has been celebrating Maple Sunday for three decades. Co-owner Gaylene Cooper explained that the farm demonstrated how maple syrup was made, while also selling snacks such as syrup over ice cream, maple sugared nuts, whoopie pies, maple fudge, maple cream, and candy made at the farm, alongside a pancake breakfast. She expected that the event would have a large attendance, with between 2,000 and 3,000 people visiting over the course of the weekend.
Eric Cooper of Cooper Maple Products demonstrating how maple syrup is made. Rory Sweeting / Lakes Region Weekly
Celebration of Maple Sunday was not limited to smaller farms. Pineland Farms, a sprawling and diversified educational farm in New Gloucester, also highlighted its maple production. Educational Director Cathryn Anderson explained that the farm hosted Maple Week, with a whole slate of activities occurring since the Monday prior to Maple Weekend. Many of these activities were centered around the farm’s sugar house, which was built in 2020. Anderson said that Pineland was open for visitors to do a two-hour self-guided tour of the farm, including the sugar house.
Activities at Pineland included demonstrations from the sugar team of how maple syrup is boiled, with free samples served to guests, as well as tree tapping demonstrations. In addition, a bean bag toss was set up on the patio between the sugar house and one of the barns, and a short hike lead visitors on a “Quest for the Magnificent Maple.” Regarding attendance, Anderson said told the Lakes Region Weekly that tickets were sold out, and that 400-500 people were expected to visit on Maple Sunday itself.
MAINE (WMTW) – If you have a Maine E-ZPass and you see a red or yellow light flash and a message to “Call Customer Service” display when you pass through a toll booth, you can ignore it for now.
The Maine Turnpike Authority says there is a system interruption with one of its toll system providers.
“While this message may cause confusion, it can be disregarded until further notice. The issue is causing a delay in transaction processing and does not indicate a problem with individual E-ZPass accounts. Toll transactions are still being recorded and will be posted to accounts once the system catches up,” the MTA said in a press release. “Rest assured, there is no need to contact MTA Customer Service if you see the ‘Call Customer Service’ message.”
The MTA said Friday that the provider had identified the issue and was working to restore full functionality.
Copyright 2025 WABI. All rights reserved.
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