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Cape Cod's great white sharks are turning the area into an ecotourism hub
Fox News • • nation
Key Points:
- Cape Cod has seen a rise in great white shark sightings linked to the recovery of the local gray seal population, boosting the area's tourism economy from nearly $2 billion in 2019 to almost $2.8 billion.
- Despite fewer visits to Cape Cod National Seashore, shark-related tourism is growing, with private and group shark-spotting charters offering ecotourism experiences that support ongoing research.
- The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy's Sharktivity app provides real-time shark sighting alerts and safety information to beachgoers, helping manage public awareness and safety.
- While shark encounters have led to some injuries and one fatal attack since 2012, experts report no increase in shark aggression or changes in hunting behavior near shorelines.
- Local businesses, including swimming pool companies, are benefiting from the shark presence, with increased demand for "shark-free" swimming options as visitors adapt to the new coastal dynamic.
