WESTERLY, R.I. — Beachgoers in one of Rhode Island’s most exclusive spots were stunned this afternoon when a shark washed ashore near in front of the Ocean House in Westerly.
The cause of the shark’s death has not been confirmed, but the unusual scene has already fueled speculation. Some locals point to the offshore wind farms as a possible factor, adding to the ongoing debate about their impact on marine life.
This comes the same weekend the Atlantic Shark Institute tagged two great white sharks off Rhode Island.
Scientists captured, measured, tagged, and released the juvenile sharks as part of an ongoing effort to study and protect the species. Both were small and showed the rounded dorsal fins typical of very young white sharks.
Since female great whites don’t reach reproductive age until around 30 years old, researchers say documenting juveniles is vital for understanding long-term recovery. Each new tag provides insight into the sharks’ population growth and migration in local waters.
The work was completed aboard the Estrella Domar with Captain Carl Granquist and crew member Bryce Briggs, adding another milestone to what the Institute calls one of its most productive research seasons yet.
Shark washes ashore in Westerly.
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