As great white sharks increasingly frequent the waters off one popular seaside destination, tourists are flocking there, too — but they’re experiencing the hot spot in a different way.Cape Cod is a renowned seaside destination in southeastern Massachusetts that has long drawn summer vacationers with its picturesque beaches, historic coastal towns and lighthouses.In recent years, though, it has also become increasingly known for its seasonal population of great white sharks.Far from deterring visitors, the presence of sharks is helping fuel a whole new type of tourism.SHARK WEEK ADVISORY AS WARMING SEAS PUSH BLACKTIPS FARTHER NORTH ALONG EAST COASTThe New York Times reported that Cape Cod’s tourism economy has grown from nearly $2 billion in 2019 to almost $2.8 billion, according to the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce.At the same time, the National Park Service has recorded fewer recreational visits to Cape Cod National Seashore, the 40-mile stretch of coastline where white sharks are regularly detected.Shark warning signs and "Stop the Bleed" rescue kits are now fixtures on the beaches.Cape Cod has long attracted summer vacationers with its picturesque beaches, historic coastal towns and lighthouses.
(Joseph Prezioso / AFP) (Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images)The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy created and runs Sharktivity, a shark-sighting and resource app designed to keep beachgoers apprised of the sharks’ presence.It features alerts for confirmed white shark sightings close to public beaches, along with other shark-safety information.The increased presence of great white sharks in Cape Cod’s waters has been linked to the recovery of the Cape’s gray seal population following the passage of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972.
The seal population grew from around 2,000 in 1994 to between 30,000 and 50,000 in 2017, the Times reported.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTERA 2023 study published in the peer-reviewed journal Mari...