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Sharks in Puget Sound? Yes, there are. In fact, there are several species, including the Pacific spiny dogfish shark, a common resident of Puget Sound. While shark attacks are rare, they do happen—the last reported attack in Washington took place in 1989, and there have only been two unprovoked attacks recorded since 1837. In 2013, an 8-foot-long salmon shark was spotted in Bellingham's Squalicum Harbor. In addition to salmon sharks, great white sharks have also been reported in the area, though they are not permanent residents. Other shark species known to inhabit Puget Sound include blue sharks, thresher sharks, sevengill sharks, and soupfin sharks. With such a diverse range of shark species, it's important for swimmers, divers, and paddlers to be aware of the potential risks and take precautions to avoid any dangerous encounters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of shark species in Washington state | 6 |
| Number of shark species in Puget Sound | 10 |
| Species | Bluntnose sixgill shark, Broadnose sevengill shark, Blue shark, Thresher shark, Salmon shark, Basking shark, Spiny dogfish shark, Pacific angel shark, Pacific sleeper shark, Great white shark, Tote shark, Catshark, Soupfin shark |
| Size | Up to 40 feet long (basking shark) |
| Weight | Up to 1,300 pounds (Bluntnose sixgill shark) |
| Colour | Brown, tan, black, dark blue, white, dark green, purplish-grey, silver-grey |
| Shark attacks in Washington state | 2 since 1837 |
| Last shark attack in Washington state | 1996 |
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What You'll Learn
Shark species in Puget Sound
While shark attacks are highly unlikely in Washington state, several shark species inhabit the waters of Puget Sound. According to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, there are six shark species commonly found in Washington state. However, Travel Safe-Abroad, a travel website, reports there are ten species of sharks that have been sighted in the Puget Sound.
The most recent discovery was in July 2024, when local researchers identified two new shark species in the region. The two new species are the sevengill and soupfin sharks, also known as the tote shark. The sevengill shark, which can grow up to 9.8 feet in length and weigh over 200 pounds, is characterised by its large body and sharp teeth. The soupfin shark, on the other hand, is smaller and is on the verge of endangerment, according to researcher Lowry.
Other shark species known to inhabit Puget Sound include the spiny dogfish, a common resident in the area, the basking shark, the Pacific angel shark, and the Pacific sleeper shark. The basking shark, which can grow up to 40 feet long, gets its name from its tendency to stay at the surface, feeding on plankton. While they were historically abundant in the inland waters of the Salish Sea, they are now rarely seen.
The salmon shark, which can be mistaken for a great white shark due to its dark blue back and white belly, is also found in Puget Sound. These sharks can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh almost 1,000 pounds. They are known to prey on salmon, herring, sablefish, mackerel, anchovy, dogfish, flounder, sculpins, squid, sea otters, and even marine birds.
The thresher shark, a torpedo-shaped species with a long tail, has also been sighted in Puget Sound. These sharks can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh 1,100 pounds. While they typically prefer the open ocean, they have been known to venture into shallow waters along the coast during late summer and early fall.
In addition to these species, there have been occasional reports of great white sharks in the area. While they are not permanent residents, there have been several credible sightings over the years, including a retired zoologist's encounter with a possible 19-20 foot great white in 2002.
It is important to note that despite the presence of these shark species in Puget Sound, shark attacks are extremely rare in Washington state. The last reported shark attack occurred in 1989, and there have only been two unprovoked attacks recorded since 1837.
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Shark attacks in Puget Sound
In 2024, local researchers discovered two new shark species in Puget Sound waters, bringing the total number of species in the region to at least eight. The newly discovered species are the sevengill shark and the tote shark, also known as the soupfin shark. Other shark species found in Puget Sound include spiny dogfish sharks, sixgill sharks, brown catsharks, basking sharks, blue sharks, thresher sharks, and salmon sharks.
While shark attacks in Puget Sound are highly unlikely, experts still recommend exercising caution when in shark-inhabited waters. Many shark attacks are the result of mistaken identity, occurring because a person resembles a shark's primary food source. To reduce the risk of a shark attack, it is recommended to choose the right swimsuit colour to avoid looking like a shark's prey. Sharks are keen observers of contrast, so wearing bright colours in dark water, or vice versa, can make you stand out.
Although great white sharks do not inhabit Puget Sound, there have been occasional sightings and reports of their presence in the area. They are considered rare visitors to the region and are more commonly found off the coast of Washington. In 2002, a retired zoologist reported a sighting of a massive great white shark in the south Puget Sound area near Tacoma. The zoologist, who was fishing at the time, described the shark as having a white underbody and estimated its size to be between 19 and 20 feet.
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Shark sightings in Puget Sound
Shark sightings are rare in Puget Sound, but they do occur. The region is home to several shark species, and while they are not commonly seen, there have been reports and even some official records of shark sightings in the area.
The most recent discovery of sharks in Puget Sound was in July 2024, when local researchers identified two new shark species in the region's waters. These species were the sevengill and soupfin sharks. Prior to this discovery, sevengill sharks had occasionally been mistaken for sixgill sharks, which are also present in Puget Sound. The soupfin shark, also known as the tote shark, is considered to be on the verge of endangerment.
In addition to the newly discovered species, several other shark species have been documented in Puget Sound, including spiny dogfish sharks, brown catsharks, basking sharks, blue sharks, thresher sharks, and salmon sharks. Some reports also mention the presence of great white sharks in the area, but these sightings are rare and great whites are not believed to be permanent residents of Puget Sound.
While shark sightings in Puget Sound are uncommon, they are not unheard of. In 2013, an 8-foot-long salmon shark was spotted in Bellingham's Squalicum Harbor. In 2009, two basking sharks were recorded in the San Juan Islands, and another was spotted off Edmonds in 2014. These sightings are often celebrated by the media due to the rarity of these encounters.
Despite the presence of sharks in Puget Sound, shark attacks in Washington state are extremely rare. According to some sources, there have only been two unprovoked shark attacks in the state since 1837, and both of these incidents occurred on the coast rather than in Puget Sound. Experts agree that the risk of a shark attack in Washington is minimal, even for those who spend significant time in the cold waters of Puget Sound.
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Shark behaviour in Puget Sound
The Pacific spiny dogfish shark is a common resident of Puget Sound, and its migration patterns have been studied. These sharks migrate to the outer coast each fall and return in the spring. The presence of this species has been well-documented, and they are recognised by people in the region.
In addition to the Pacific spiny dogfish, other shark species have been observed in Puget Sound, including the sixgill shark, the sevengill shark, and the soupfin shark. These species are not as commonly seen, and their behaviour is less understood. The sevengill and soupfin sharks were only recently discovered in Puget Sound, and researchers are still working to understand their habits and how long they have been in the area.
One of the more unusual behaviours observed in Puget Sound sharks is the practice of female bluntnose sixgill sharks moving into shallow waters to give birth. This behaviour is in contrast to the typical preference of sharks for deeper waters.
While shark attacks are rare in Washington state, they are not unheard of. The last reported shark attack in the state occurred in 1989, and there have only been two unprovoked attacks recorded since 1837. However, it is important for those spending time in the water to be aware of potential risks and take precautions, such as avoiding certain jewellery and nail polish that can attract sharks.
In summary, shark behaviour in Puget Sound is a diverse and evolving field of study. While some species, like the Pacific spiny dogfish, are well-documented, others are only recently discovered and require further research. Shark sightings and attacks are rare, but understanding shark behaviour and taking appropriate precautions are important for those spending time in the water.
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Shark research in Puget Sound
Species Diversity and Range Expansions
The waters of Puget Sound are home to several shark species, with recent research uncovering a broader diversity than previously understood. Local researchers have identified two new shark species in the area: the sevengill shark and the soupfin shark, also known as the tote shark. These discoveries add to the list of species already known to inhabit the region, including spiny dogfish sharks, sixgill sharks, brown catsharks, basking sharks, blue sharks, thresher sharks, and salmon sharks. The presence of great white sharks in Puget Sound has been a subject of debate, with occasional sightings reported but no confirmation of a resident population.
Historical Presence and Conservation Concerns
Some shark species in Puget Sound have a historical presence in the region, while others are exhibiting range expansions. The basking shark, once abundant in the inland waters of the Salish Sea, is now a rare visitor to Puget Sound due to historical overfishing and eradication programs. The soupfin shark, also known as the tote shark, is another species of concern, as it is on the verge of endangerment according to local researchers.
Public Perception and Safety
The discovery of sharks in Puget Sound has sparked varied reactions, with experts reporting surprise among the public. However, it is important to note that shark attacks in Washington state are extremely rare. Since 1837, only two shark attacks have been reported, and both occurred along the coast rather than in Puget Sound. Scuba divers in the region actively seek out shark encounters, and their experiences suggest that sharks generally exhibit curiosity rather than aggression.
Research Initiatives and Ongoing Questions
The recent discoveries of new shark species and range expansions have prompted continued research and exploration in Puget Sound. Researchers are working to understand the habits and historical presence of these newly identified species. Additionally, the appearance of shark species not historically recorded in South Puget Sound underscores the need for further investigation into the factors driving their range expansions. Shark research in Puget Sound contributes to a broader understanding of these ancient and highly unusual fish, challenging common assumptions and enhancing our knowledge of their ecology and behaviour.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are sharks in Puget Sound. There are six species of sharks that are commonly found in Washington state, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. However, Travel Safe-Abroad, a travel website, reports there are 10 species of sharks that have been sighted in the Puget Sound.
Species of sharks found in Puget Sound include spiny dogfish, basking, Pacific angel, Pacific sleeper, bluntnose sixgill, broadnose sevengill, blue, thresher, salmon, tote, and the occasional great white shark.
Shark attacks are highly unlikely in Washington state. The last reported shark attack in Washington took place in 1989, and was the only recorded shark attack in the 1900s. Since 1837, only two shark attacks have been reported in Washington state, and both of those were on the coast, according to the International Shark Attack File.
