Tyler Wynn
It may come as a surprise that sharks inhabit the waters of Puget Sound, but several species have been spotted in this region. While shark attacks are rare, it is important to be aware of their presence and take precautions when swimming, snorkelling, or diving in these waters. From the giant basking shark to the smaller catshark, the waters of Puget Sound host a diverse range of shark species, some of which are only recently being discovered and studied.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shark Species in Puget Sound | Bluntnose sixgill, Broadnose sevengill, Blue, Thresher, Salmon, Tote/Soupfin, Basking, Spiny dogfish, Pacific angel, Pacific sleeper, Great white |
| Number of Species | 10 according to Travel Safe-Abroad, 6 according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife |
| Shark Attacks | Rare, with only two unprovoked attacks reported in Washington state since 1837 |
| Shark Behaviour | Sharks tend to stay away from people, and are more likely to be curious than aggressive |
| Shark Sizes | Up to 20 feet long (Great white), up to 18 feet long (Bluntnose sixgill), up to 13 feet long (Blue shark), up to 10 feet long (Salmon shark) |
| Shark Weights | Up to 1,300 pounds (Bluntnose sixgill), up to 1,100 pounds (Thresher shark), up to 1,000 pounds (Salmon shark), up to 200 pounds (Broadnose sevengill) |
| Shark Colours | Dark blue/green/purplish-grey back with white belly (Salmon shark), brown/tan/black with dark spots (Bluntnose sixgill), silver-grey with black and white spots (Broadnose sevengill) |
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What You'll Learn
Shark species found in Puget Sound
While shark attacks are highly unlikely in Washington state, several shark species can be found in the waters of Puget Sound.
The broadnose sevengill shark, also known as the bluntnose sevengill shark, is a large shark species with sharp teeth. They can grow up to 9.8 feet in length and weigh over 200 pounds. They are typically silver-grey or brown with black and white spots on their fins. They are apex predators and eat a wide variety of prey, including fish, rays, other sharks, crustaceans, and marine mammals. They were first discovered in Puget Sound in 2021, and since then, several have been caught in the area.
The soupfin shark, also known as the tote shark, is another species found in Puget Sound. They are the largest species of hound shark and can grow up to 6.5 feet in length. They are strong swimmers and are known for their migrations, which can exceed 1,000 miles. They are considered critically endangered in some places due to overfishing in the past.
The salmon shark is another species that is commonly found in Washington state. They can be mistaken for great white sharks because of their dark blue back and white belly. They can grow up to 10 feet in length and weigh almost 1,000 pounds. They are known to feed on salmon, herring, sablefish, mackerel, anchovy, dogfish, flounder, sculpins, squid, sea otters, and marine birds.
Other shark species found in Puget Sound include the thresher shark, blue shark, spiny dogfish shark, sixgill shark, and brown catshark.
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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 records of shark sightings over the years.
One of the more well-known shark sightings in Puget Sound occurred in 1972 when a 12-foot thresher shark was caught off Sucia Island in the San Juan Islands. This shark became a local attraction, stuffed and displayed in a restaurant for many years before finding a home with the restaurant owner. Thresher sharks are torpedo-shaped and can grow to impressive sizes, with common threshers reaching lengths of 20 feet or more.
In addition to the thresher shark, other shark species have been spotted in Puget Sound. In 2013, an 8-foot-long salmon shark was seen in Bellingham's Squalicum Harbor. Salmon sharks are often mistaken for great white sharks due to their dark blue backs and white bellies, but they typically reach smaller sizes, with a maximum length of around 10 feet. They are also known to enter shallow waters and have been found in Puget Sound on several occasions.
While great white sharks are not permanent residents of Puget Sound, there have been occasional sightings and reports of their presence in the area. Some people speculate that the presence of orcas, which are known to prey on great white sharks, may be a factor in their rarity in the Sound. However, great white sharks are migratory and can appear anywhere in the ocean, so their occasional presence in Puget Sound is not unheard of.
In recent years, local researchers have discovered two new shark species in Puget Sound: the sevengill and soupfin sharks. These additions bring the known number of shark species in the region to well over half a dozen. Despite the presence of these sharks, the risk of shark attacks in Puget Sound is considered extremely low. Shark encounters are rare, and most sharks tend to stay away from people, exhibiting more curiosity than aggression when briefly spotted by divers.
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Shark attacks in Puget Sound
While shark attacks are rare in Washington state, they are not unheard of. The chances of a shark attack in the state are extremely low. In fact, only two unprovoked attacks have been recorded since 1837, and neither resulted in death. The last reported shark attack in Washington took place in 1989, and was the only recorded shark attack in the 1900s.
In 2022, it was reported that there are six species of sharks found in Washington state, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. However, a travel website, Travel Safe-Abroad, reports there are 10 species of sharks that have been spotted in Puget Sound. These include spiny dogfish, basking, Pacific angel, Pacific sleeper, and the occasional great white shark.
In 2024, local researchers discovered two new shark species in Puget Sound waters, adding to the list of shark species known to inhabit the area. These include spiny dogfish sharks, sixgill sharks, brown catsharks, basking sharks, blue sharks, thresher sharks, and salmon sharks. More recently, the sevengill shark and tote shark, also known as the soupfin shark, have been added to the list.
Despite the presence of sharks in Puget Sound, shark attacks remain rare. Shark expert Dayv Lowry has stated that there have been no shark attacks or encounters in Washington state since 1996, and that the chances of an attack are "exceedingly rare". He noted that this is despite the popularity of activities such as paddleboarding, snorkelling, diving, and surfing in the area.
While the risk of a shark attack in Puget Sound is low, experts still recommend exercising caution when in shark-inhabited waters. Many shark attacks occur due to mistaken identity, as sharks may mistake a person for their primary food source. Therefore, it is important to be aware of what shark species are present in the area and what they feed on. Additionally, choosing the right swimsuit colour can also help reduce the risk of an attack, as sharks are keen observers of contrast.
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Shark behaviour in Puget Sound
The Pacific spiny dogfish shark is a common resident of Puget Sound, and its migratory behaviour has been observed, with vast numbers migrating to the outer coast each fall and returning in the spring. This species is recognised by many people in the region. Other shark species occasionally observed in Puget Sound include the basking shark, blue shark, thresher shark, and salmon shark. These species are also found off the Washington coast, and their presence in Puget Sound is less frequent.
In recent years, there have been reports and discoveries of additional shark species in Puget Sound. In 2024, local researchers identified two new shark species in the region: the sevengill shark and the soupfin shark, also known as the tote shark. The sevengill shark, with its distinctive large body and sharp teeth, can grow up to 9.8 feet in length and weigh over 200 pounds. The soupfin shark, on the other hand, is a smaller species that is occasionally caught by commercial fisheries or recreational fishers in northern Puget Sound.
Great White Sharks are not known to inhabit Puget Sound, but there have been rare sightings and reports of their presence in the area. While they are occasional visitors to Washington's Pacific Ocean coast, they are not considered permanent residents of Puget Sound.
Sharks in Puget Sound generally tend to avoid human interaction and show more curiosity than aggression when encountered. Scuba divers who seek out sharks in the region rarely find them, and when they do, the encounters are typically brief. Shark attacks in Washington state are extremely rare, with only two unprovoked attacks recorded since 1837, and none occurring in Puget Sound.
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Shark research in Puget Sound
One of the well-known shark species in Puget Sound is the Pacific spiny dogfish, recognised by many locals. These long-lived sharks exhibit fascinating migratory behaviour, travelling to the outer coast each fall and returning in the spring. This seasonal movement showcases their adaptability and connection to the broader marine ecosystem.
In recent years, there have been reports of great white sharks in Puget Sound, although their presence is considered rare and occasional. The possibility of great white sharks in the area has sparked interest and curiosity, with some retired zoologists and marine biologists weighing in on the likelihood of their existence in these waters.
Beyond the more prominent species, shark research in Puget Sound has also uncovered a range of lesser-known shark species. This includes the discovery of sevengill and soupfin sharks, adding to the biodiversity of the region. The sevengill shark, with its large body and sharp teeth, can grow up to 9.8 feet in length and weigh over 200 pounds. These discoveries highlight the ongoing exploration and documentation of Puget Sound's shark population.
Additionally, the sixgill shark, a large and strongly built species, has been a focus of research in Puget Sound. Female sixgill sharks exhibit interesting behaviour by moving into shallow waters to give birth, providing researchers with valuable insights into their reproductive strategies. The presence of these sharks in the area underscores the importance of understanding their behaviour and ensuring their conservation.
While shark research in Puget Sound has enhanced our understanding of these fascinating creatures, it has also dispelled common fears associated with sharks. Experts have reported that public apprehension often stems from media portrayals, but this quickly gives way to curiosity when people learn about the specific shark species in the area and the minimal risk of attack. Shark encounters in Puget Sound are generally brief, with sharks displaying more curiosity than aggression.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, several shark species inhabit the waters of Puget Sound.
Bluntnose sixgill sharks, broadnose sevengill sharks, thresher sharks, salmon sharks, blue sharks, basking sharks, and the occasional great white shark are some of the species found in Puget Sound.
In 2013, an 8-foot-long salmon shark was spotted in Bellingham's Squalicum Harbor. In 2024, local researchers also discovered two new shark species in the area.
Shark attacks are highly unlikely in Washington state. The last reported shark attack in Washington took place in 1989, and since 1837, only two unprovoked shark attacks have been recorded in the state.
