Great white shark sightings spike as 11 seen this month off coast – including biggest ever

A dramatic spike in the number of great white sharks has been detected in the waters off the US coast, according to global non-profit ocean research organisation OCEARCH. Between August 1 and August 10, 11 great white sharks have been "pinged" by tracking site OCEARCH off the eastern coast of the United States.

Among those to have appeared is the largest great white ever recorded by the organisation – Contender. Back in June, the apex predator was spotted heading straight towards a tourist beach.

And, more recently, the 13ft 9ins predator was 'Z-pinged' on August 2 and August 9 – meaning it spent some time on the ocean's surface. Other giant predators spotted this month include 13ft 3ins Breton and 13ft 4ins Bob.

The numbers are a sharp increase on previous months – with five white sharks pinged in July and just three in June. But Avery McAlhany, a Content Specialist at the organisation, has shared there's a very simple reason for the uptick in sightings.

She explained that OCEARCH, partnering with the Tancock Islands Marine Field Station in Atlantic Canada, have recently tagged, sampled and released seven new white sharks in the region.

Avery said: “These sharks have been pinging frequently, which is common when tags are fresh and free from biofouling—the natural buildup of marine life on tags over time that can reduce signal clarity.”

Avery added that, in recent years, the team had identified a new trend in the sharks’ migration patterns. She continued: “The majority of white sharks in the western North Atlantic migrate north to Atlantic Canada or New England during the summer months, drawn by cooler waters and abundant food sources like fish and seals.”

Despite their fearsome reputation, great whites are only rarely responsible for fatal attacks on humans, often trying one “sample bite” before swimming off to find something more to their taste.

Although stories of their poor eyesight tends to be exaggerated, great whites don't have good colour vision and cannot make out fine details as well we we can. They often mistake surfers and swimmers for their preferred prey, seals.

Around 90% of swimmers who are attacked are likely to live to tell the tale, according to figures from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. That said, the ocean’s apex predator has immensely powerful jaws, meaning that even one bite can cause catastrophic injuries.

There are some key pointers to avoid an encounter with these monsters of the deep. Circling birds, splashing water, a dead whale, large groups of seals and dolphins are all clues that a shark could be nearby.

Because great whites are really looking for seals, it’s a good idea not to look like one. Plain, dark-coloured wetsuits can contribute to misidentification. Consider a brightly-coloured, patterned wetsuit instead.

Poor light can also cause cases of mistaken identity – avoid swimming very early in the morning or at dusk. Swimming alone is also inadvisable. If you are bitten by a shark, it’s important to get out of the water as soon as possible and having a buddy nearby can make all the difference.

Even a small cut can attract sharks from a good distance away, so never swim if you have an open wound. Experts are divided over whether sharks can be attracted to acted when women are menstruating, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you’re on your period, maybe you’re better off just sunbathing.

Dr. Harley Newton, chief scientist and veterinarian for OCEARCH, from Jacksonville, Florida, has dedicated her career to studying shark behaviour and educating the public about these often misunderstood predators - including Contender.

She has revealed the surprising thing you should avoid wearing when swimming in the ocean - and what do to if you do come face to face with a predator.

Dr Newton's advice includes avoiding dawn and dusk swims, staying close to shore, always swimming with a buddy, and to avoid wearing shiny objects such as jewellery.

She added that you should always try to maintain visual contact if you spot a shark, backing away slowly while facing it.

While shark attacks are rare, she stresses that you should always try to remain aware of the ocean's dangers.