News

Buoys deployed to track for white sharks off Maine coast

Buoys deployed to track for white sharks off Maine coast

Photo: clipart.com


OLD ORCHARD BEACH, Maine (AP) Marine scientists have deployed buoys to provide real-time detection of sharks off the Maine coast for the first time.

Scientists have used shark-detecting buoys off both coasts to get an idea of where sharks might come into contact with swimmers. They’ve been used off California and Massachusetts in recent years.

University of New England students and a scientist from the Maine Department of Marine Resources have placed such a buoy off Old Orchard Beach, WCSH-TV reported Wednesday. Another is planned to be located near Popham Beach in Phippsburg.

The buoys are designed to detect the presence of tagged white sharks. They’ll send an alert that will allow authorities to warn swimmers of the shark’s presence.

There have been two fatal shark bites off New England since 2018, and increased sightings of sharks off Maine and Massachusetts have become a topic of conversation among regulators, beachgoers and scientists. A shark conservancy and the New England Aquarium are also working together to use a smartphone app to gather better data about the sharks.

Latest Headlines

3 hours ago in Local

Police Looking for Missing Washington County Teen

The Washington County Sheriff's Office are looking for 16-year-old Lilyanna Rose Cook, who was last seen in Roque Bluffs, Maine.

15 hours ago in Local

Struck-down Maine citizen’s referendum on super PAC donations heads to appeals court

Despite getting over 75% of the vote, a Portland judge deemed the referendum unconstitutional this past summer, citing the ruling made by the Supreme Court on the 2010 Citizen's United case.

1 day ago in Local

Police find missing teen after vehicle pursuit in Skowhegan

A missing teenager was found in the vehicle of a Norridgewock man who police say led them on a chase in Skowhegan on Thursday.

1 day ago in Local

Maine State Police seeking information about bank fraud suspect in Aroostook County and Bangor

A woman is wanted for bank fraud in Bangor and Aroostook County.

2 days ago in Local

What to Know About Maine U.S. Senate Race

Democrats are hoping to unseat Republican Susan Collins.