CHATHAM (FOX25, myfoxboston) - Massachusetts officials are using high-tech tags to track the movements of two great white sharks near Cape Cod -- the first time the fearsome fish have ever been tagged in the Atlantic Ocean.
The electronic tag uses satellite technology to record the travels of the sharks, allowing scientists to better understand their migratory patterns.
The sharks were spotted Saturday by scientists investigating sightings off Monomoy Island in Chatham. Officials say a harpooner tagged them with help from a state shark expert.
Sharks are common in Cape waters during summer, though great white sharks are relatively rare around New England.
State officials have warned area swimmers to be on the lookout for sharks this weekend, and state environmental police are patrolling the area as a precaution.
The Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game's Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) placed an electronic tag on a great white shark in waters off Chatham today - marking the first time a great white shark has been successfully tagged in the Atlantic Ocean.
Working under the direction of DMF Senior Biologist Greg Skomal, harpooner Bill Chaprales, captain of the fishing vessel Ezduzit, placed the electronic tag this morning. Skomal, who heads DMF's shark research program, said recognition for today's successful effort also goes to spotter pilot George Breen and to Nick Chaprales, the boat's driver. Both the spotter pilot and the boat crew are under contract with DMF.
"The Commonwealth is proud of the efforts of biologist Greg Skomal who works on behalf of the citizens of Massachusetts to further shark research, helping us to understand the behavior of these animals and to act as good stewards of the marine environment," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles, whose office includes DMF.
After multiple shark sightings off of the coast of Chatham this week, Skomal and other state biologists set out to identify the species of the sharks recently sighted in the waters off Monomoy Island in Chatham. Yesterday, Skomal identified one great white shark, and this morning his team tagged one. The tags, which use satellite-based technology to record where a shark travels, allow scientists to better understand migratory patterns.
"DFG is fortunate to have an international shark expert like Greg Skomal working with the DMF team to help better understand and track the great white shark," said DFG Commissioner Mary Griffin.
While sharks are not uncommon off the Massachusetts coasts state officials urge the public to use caution.
Many species of fish, including sharks, migrate to New England's coastal and open ocean waters in the summer months. At least a dozen shark species migrate in and out of New England waters annually. In fact, Massachusetts represents the northernmost range for several species of sharks and is an important area for monitoring the health and distribution of shark populations. Although relatively rare in New England, great white sharks, are known to visit local waters, where they are sometimes seen feeding near seal colonies.
The National Marine Fisheries Service Fishery Management Plan for sharks of the Atlantic Ocean recommends that states, "actively participate in acquiring pertinent information and data" on sharks.
The Massachusetts Shark Research Program (MSRP) was established in 1990 to study the ecology, distribution, and relative abundance of sharks that are subject to recreational fisheries in the Commonwealth. A thorough understanding of these parameters is crucial to the management process and wise utilization of these resources. In addition to fieldwork, the project also provides public education and technical information on the biology, management, and use of sharks. DMF biologists conduct cooperative research with other world-renowned shark researchers to provide local expertise and biological samples for these highly migratory predators.
Today's great white shark tagging follows May's publication in the peer-reviewed journal Current Biology of Skomal's research on the migratory patterns of basking sharks. Using similar tagging technology, Skomal and his team documented remarkable migratory habits of these large sharks, identifying previously unknown winter habitat - a discovery that has implications for the species' conservation. (Click here for press release on DMF's basking shark research.)
For more information about the DMF's shark research program, visit Mass. Division of Marine Fisheries: Programs and Projects - Recreational Fishing - Shark Research
No, I found that on a cool site that I can't find for crap right now.
I should have marked it.
My Dad did shoot a lot of film over there though.
Also have some graphic photos he took in the Korean conflict.
The avatar has a striking resemblance to a former poster here at TB.
It is eerily reminiscent of Caspergirl or possibly just coincidental however the story teller seems to be predisposed about Florida of all states....so....hmmmm.
The avatar has a striking resemblance to a former poster here at TB.
It is eerily reminiscent of Caspergirl or possibly just coincidental however the story teller seems to be predisposed about Florida of all states....so....hmmmm.
The avatar is of a past AND current poster. Florida was chosen merely for it's proximity to the ocean.
Thank you soonk, you too TiredDvrsWife.
Now for the meat of the pie.
I was actually just playing around. If I had known I was starting a series, I would have been laid upon a better foundation, and created a more intelligent title that would have well rewarded my cryptic lifestyle.
I'm actually in the middle of a more serious full length novel rife with pictures that I am preparing for I'm a submissive and hopeful towards publication as well of my new fishing website.
I'll do some begging on here as my dominatrix ordered me to and told me as well I have time. A little creative distraction may actually keep my focus a little fresher for the other expensive projects.
I hope you knew someone like me would have an opportunity to skillfully distract from the original meaning of your post and supplant another hysterically funny chapter albeit a brief one.
Since this is related to your whimsical fantasy about "How to kill a Shark", I just considered this alteration to be fitting.
WE are in the Watering Hole and if that isn't appropriate, I'm at a loss.
May your shorts ride high as you stumble from Bud Dry.
See, it could happen 
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