June 27, 2017 — An 11-foot great white shark known to researchers as Omar has returned to Cape Cod just in time for the summer season, according to local shark watchers.
Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries scientist Gregory Skomal and his team of researchers tracked the tagged shark from their boat off the coast of Chatham early yesterday morning.
“It’s exciting,” Skomal said. “It’s like seeing somewhat of an old friend.”
As the Herald reported yesterday, 147 great white sharks were confirmed in Cape Cod waters last summer, and Skomal predicts at least that many will return this season. The sharks are largely drawn to the abundant grey seal population that lives off the Cape’s eastern seaboard.
Omar has a history in Cape waters. According to the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, biologist John Chisholm first identified the great white in 2015. Skomal tagged the animal when he returned last summer, allowing his team to detect when Omar swims near one of their research receivers.