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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedSeptember 1, 2026Miami-Dade

Researchers tag sharks off Long Island to study migration and nursery habits

Marine researchers are catching and tagging sharks off the coast of the Hamptons to track their migration patterns and study a confirmed great white shark nursery. The study aims to understand how warming ocean temperatures are drawing more tropical shark species to the region and to provide data for shark conservation efforts.

marine biologyshark conservationclimate changeLong Islandwildlife research
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Why It Matters

The research provides data on shark populations and migration patterns that inform local beach safety measures and long-term marine conservation strategies.

Key Facts

  • Researchers are tagging sharks off the Hamptons to track migration and study a great white shark nursery.
  • Tags used include acoustic signals for location and sensors that measure depth and water temperature.
  • Data shows sharks tagged off Long Island travel to North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Warming waters are attracting more tropical shark species, such as spinner, black tip, and bull sharks, to Long Island during summer months.
  • Baby great white sharks weigh up to 36 kilograms at birth and use shallow coastal areas as nurseries.
  • Great white sharks do not reach sexual maturity until their 20s.
  • The International Shark Attack File has no record of a fatal shark attack on Long Island.
  • Local officials have invested in shark-spotting drones for beach safety.

Who's Mentioned

organizationFlorida Museum of Natural History“Maintains the International Shark Attack File.”organizationSouth Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center“Coordinating the shark research project.”personGreg Metzger“Shark researcher and marine science teacher at Southampton High School.”personFrank Quevedo“Executive director at the South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center.”personBradley Peterson“Marine scientist at Stony Brook University.”organizationStony Brook University“Affiliation for researcher Bradley Peterson.”