Sign up to our Talk Platform (create an account here) to get in on the conversation below. Want to join the debate? Subscribe to CentralMaine.com here

Will the recent shark sightings off the coast of Maine deter you from visiting the beach this summer?

Recent shark sightings off the coast of Maine may have some people afraid to go in the water.

Popham Beach, which is one of Maine’s most popular oceanfront parks, was closed to swimming Sunday for the second time in less than a week after a shark fin was spotted nearby. The first sighting a few days later was a confirmed sighting of a great white shark in the waters off the beach.

Public vigilance has increased since a woman was killed by a white shark in Harpswell two years ago, which is the state’s only fatal shark attack.

So far this year, state and local officials say they have received more than a dozen reports of great white sharks off the Maine coast. Biologists say there are likely to be more white sharks in Maine waters in the years to come, driven largely by a robust seal population.

But what do you think? Will the recent shark sightings off the coast of Maine deter you from visiting the beach this summer? Let us know what you think the poll and comments below.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.

filed under: