Scientists have noticed a rise in great white shark deaths along the East Coast of the U.S. and Canada, according to Kyle Shaw, journalist for The New York Times. These sharks play an important role in keeping the ocean balanced, but more and more of them are washing up on shore. Experts are now studying why this is happening and how it could affect the ocean’s ecosystem.

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Many of the dead sharks have shown signs of swollen brains, a condition called meningoencephalitis. This illness causes brain swelling, which can make it hard for sharks to swim properly, find food, or avoid danger. Some sharks may end up lost or stranded in shallow waters, which can lead to their deaths. Scientists believe an infection, like a virus or bacteria, may be causing this problem.

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According to The International New York Times, Dr. Megan Jones, a researcher from the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, and Dr. Alisa Newton, a scientist with OCEARCH, are leading efforts to find out what is harming these sharks. They have collected brain tissue samples from the dead sharks and sent them to special labs for testing. By studying the tissues closely, they hope to identify the cause of the illness and find ways to help protect great white sharks.

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Great white sharks are an important part of the ocean’s food chain. They help keep fish populations healthy and maintain balance in the ocean. However, they are already considered a vulnerable species, meaning their numbers are decreasing. If this trend of rising deaths continues, it could have serious effects on ocean life.

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Scientists are continuing their research to find out what is causing these deaths and how to prevent them. The health of great white sharks is connected to the health of the entire ocean, making this issue important for both marine life and the environment.

Works Cited: 

International New York Times. “Something Small is Killing Great White Sharks.” Deccan Herald, 3 Feb. 25. https://www.deccanherald.com/science/something-small-is-killing-great-white-sharks-3387985 Accessed 12 Feb. 25. 

“Great White Sharks: Diet, Behaviour, and Conservation│IFAW.” IFAW, www.ifaw.org/animals/great-white-sharks. 

Shaw, Kyle. “Great White Sharks Washing up Dead in Canada with Brain Swelling.” The New York Times, 1 Feb. 2025, www.nytimes.com/2025/02/01/science/canada-great-white-sharks.html.