National Geographic’s renowned photographer Brian Skerry captured the first underwater image of a great white shark in the waters of Maine. Experts are calling this a historic event.
In the Gulf of Maine, located in the state of Maine, a 10-foot (approximately 3-meter) great white shark was caught on an underwater camera. This event was recorded on July 8, 2024, by the famous photographer Brian Skerry, who has 50 years of experience.
Although sharks have been observed in this area before, this is the first clear underwater photograph, making it historically significant. According to Skerry, the shark appeared for only three minutes before quickly disappearing. However, he managed to capture the image.
Scientists say the number of great white sharks in this area is increasing. This is due to climate change and strengthened legal protections. In the 1970s–1980s, overfishing caused the population to decline by 73%. However, laws enacted since the 1990s have led to their gradual recovery.
Experts, particularly oceanographer Samrin Brown and biologist John Chisholm, believe these images are not meant to instill fear but to promote awareness. They say it is possible to coexist with sharks in the same area—as long as precautions are taken.
"The scariest thing in the ocean is not sharks, but an ocean without sharks," says Skerry.
