A rare spinner shark was caught off the coast of Rhode Island in September, sparking interest among marine experts. The 24-inch shark was identified by the Atlantic Shark Institute after Captain Carl Granquist brought it aboard his vessel.
The unusual sighting is notable because New England waters are not typically where this species creates a nursing habitat, which is usually found from the Carolinas to Florida. However, the young shark had a partially healed umbilical wound.
While the cause of this find is unclear, experts at the Atlantic Shark Institute say climate change may be contributing to such sightings. “Our oceans are changing,” said Jon Dodd, Executive Director of the institute. “What we knew 10 years ago may no longer be accurate.” The discovery highlights the shifting nature of marine ecosystems and raises concerns about their long-term health.
Source: https://turnto10.com/news/local/fishers-find-a-rare-young-spinner-shark-off-the-waters-of-southern-new-england-nursing-habitat-moving-up-north