Researchers studying Cape Cod’s sharks turn attention to bay

ORLEANS, Mass. (AP) - Great white shark researchers are turning their attention to Cape Cod Bay.

The Cape Cod Times reports Greg Skomal, a state marine biologist, and his team will once again track and tag the sharks off the famous tourist destination this summer. But rather than just monitoring the predators in the Atlantic Ocean, they’ll also bring their research vessels and spotter planes into the bayside of the peninsula.

Skomal tells the newspaper increased sightings of juvenile white sharks in bay waters convinced the scientists to expand their study area.

Fishermen have reported sharks snatching striped bass and other fish from their lines. The sharks reportedly range from 8 to 12 feet in length.

Cape Cod had two shark attacks last summer, including the state’s first fatal human attack in 80 years.

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Information from: Cape Cod (Mass.) Times, http://www.capecodtimes.com