New England Shark Center

07/24/2026

Sending a shout out to the town of Harpswell for taking steps to keep everyone safe this summer! Great whites begin showing up in Maine waters at the very end of June into the first week of July. While we are just a stop on their way north towards Nova Scotia and other Candian hotspots it is smart to assume they are here all summer!

We encourage Harpswell to leave the purple flags flying until the end of October and into November when our great white friends begin their travels back south for the winter months!

Under a new policy adopted by the town select board, the flags will go up at the first confirmed sighting of a great white shark, marking the beginning of "shark season."

07/10/2026

Swimming has opened back up at Reid State Park!

Please be safe and aware of your surroundings when entering the ocean as we are well into shark season here in New England!

We suggest avoiding ocean water activities (especially swimming) in the following conditions:

1. The water is murky or visibility is low
2. There are seals or fish anywhere close by
3. Close to dawn or dusk
4. You are alone

07/04/2026

From all of us to all of you and yours have a safe and fintastic 4th of July!

06/19/2026

July 26th! Shark Week is back for the best week of the year!!!

12/11/2025

Good Morning All you Shark Lovers!! 🦈 Just wanted to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season! Remember to check on all the people you love and care about this season. You never know what someone is going thru so let your kindness shine thru. You might just make someones day!!🎄🎅🦈