Hammerhead shark off Cape Cod

A rare smooth hammerhead shark was spotted off Monomoy Island in Cape Cod on July 20, according to the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy. This sighting stands out as hammerhead sharks are less commonly seen in the region compared to great whites. The conservancy shared photos of the shark on social media, expressing appreciation for the sighting, which was contributed by L. Bovenzi. While hammerhead sightings have occurred in New England before, such as a 2022 sighting near Nantucket, they remain infrequent. The smooth hammerhead is known to prefer tropical waters but can occasionally be found in temperate regions, indicating potential changes in migration patterns possibly linked to warmer water temperatures. In contrast, great white sharks have been sighted frequently in the area recently, underscoring Cape Cod's reputation as a shark hotspot.