Sharks are a part of life in Atlantic Beach, FL. Although I haven’t yet spotted one in the water, I often see the fishermen lining the shore reel in sharks of various types and sizes.
One evening, I saw a couple of fishermen catch a shark big enough to make me think twice about going swimming for a while. And it was right off the 18th St. beach access, which is a pretty popular spot for beachgoers.
The shark in the photos is a male Sand Tiger Shark, which can be 6-10 feet long. Sand tiger sharks are commonly found along the Atlantic coast, and have a distinctive set of sharp, protruding teeth that give them a fearsome look, though they are generally not aggressive toward humans.
Please note: I do not know these guys. I just happened to be on the beach when this happened, and they were taking a pic before releasing the shark back into the water. When I originally shared the photo, I got a lot of angry messages about hurting sharks. Zero sharks were harmed by me at any point. If you want to read the whole story about what happened and how I ended up on the news, visit: The Not-So-Baby Shark in Atlantic Beach.
An Essential Part of the Ocean Ecosystem
The waters off Atlantic Beach, Florida, are home to a variety of marine life, including several species of sharks. While sharks often get a bad reputation, they are an essential part of the ocean’s ecosystem, helping to regulate fish populations and maintain a healthy marine environment.
Whether you’re swimming, surfing, or fishing, knowing which sharks frequent these often murky waters can help you appreciate their presence and stay informed while enjoying the ocean.
Common Shark Species in Atlantic Beach, FL
1. Blacktip Shark (Carcharhinus limbatus)
Blacktip sharks are one of the most frequently spotted sharks near Atlantic Beach, particularly in warmer months. These fast-moving sharks are known for their acrobatic leaps and their distinctive black-tipped fins. They often feed on small fish and typically avoid humans, though they can become more active when large schools of baitfish are present.
It’s always a good rule to pay attention if you see a large amount of baitfish on the move, as they are probably running from something big.
2. Bull Shark (Carcharhinus leucas)
Known for their ability to swim in both saltwater and freshwater, bull sharks are among the more aggressive species in Florida waters, so watch out for these guys!
They are often seen in shallow coastal areas and even venture into rivers and estuaries, including the St. Johns River. Their adaptability makes them one of the more commonly encountered sharks near shore.
3. Lemon Shark (Negaprion brevirostris)
Lemon sharks are easily recognized by their yellowish tint, which helps them blend into sandy coastal waters. They often travel in groups and are generally docile, feeding primarily on fish and crustaceans. While they are curious by nature, they are not considered a significant threat to humans.
4. Sandbar Shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus)
The sandbar shark, identified by its tall dorsal fin and stocky build, prefers deeper waters but sometimes ventures closer to sandbars and coastal areas. They are more likely to avoid human interaction and are rarely involved in encounters.
5. Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo cuvier)
Recognizable by its distinctive striped markings, the tiger shark is an opportunistic feeder with a broad diet, including fish, sea turtles, and even inedible debris. Though more commonly found in deeper offshore waters, tiger sharks occasionally come closer to the shore.
6. Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrnidae family)
Several species of hammerhead sharks, including the great hammerhead and scalloped hammerhead, inhabit Florida waters. I’ve actually seen fisherman catch both of these types on the beach. They were both smaller, only a couple feet in size.
Their unique, flattened head shape enhances their ability to detect prey. These sharks often swim in schools and are more cautious around humans.
7. Sand Tiger Shark (Carcharias taurus)
The sand tiger shark, sometimes mistaken for a more aggressive species due to its fearsome appearance, is actually quite docile.
This shark has a stocky body, a slightly humped back, and needle-like teeth that protrude even when its mouth is closed.
Sand tiger sharks often inhabit wrecks and reefs but can sometimes be caught near shore, as evidenced by my photo.
Though they look intimidating, they are not aggressive toward humans and are a protected species in U.S. waters, meaning they must be released if caught. (which those guys did)
Shark Safety and Conservation
While sharks are a natural part of the marine environment, interactions with humans are rare (unless you are fishing for them!). Most encounters occur due to mistaken identity, especially when visibility is low, or baitfish are present.
To minimize risk, avoid swimming at dawn and dusk, stay in groups, and refrain from wearing shiny jewelry that could resemble fish scales.
Many shark populations are declining due to overfishing and habitat destruction, making conservation efforts critical. Florida has regulations in place to protect certain shark species, including the sand tiger shark, to help maintain their populations.
A Healthy Marine Environment
Sharks play an essential role in the ocean’s ecosystem, and their presence at our beaches is a sign of a healthy marine environment. Understanding the types of sharks in the area can help beachgoers and anglers appreciate these fascinating creatures while staying informed and safe.
By respecting their habitat and following guidelines, humans and sharks can continue to coexist peacefully along Florida’s beautiful coastline.
However, if I see a fin, I still jump to get out of the ocean so fast I practically walk on water! I prefer to appreciate them at a safe distance.
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Candy is content creator, children’s book author, cosplay chameleon and crafty geek who often writes about her life and pop culture topics on her blog GeekMamas.com. Her love for writing began at an early age and stayed with her through college where she earned a journalism degree at the University of Florida. After owning a costume store for many years, she reconnected with her passion for writing and discovered a love for blogging and sharing stories with a personal angle.
