As summer crowds build along the Jersey Shore, researchers are watching a very different kind of visitor move up the Atlantic—two massive, tagged great white sharks whose latest tracking data shows them edging closer to New Jersey’s coastal waters.

Marine researchers have confirmed that two large sharks, Alyssa and Kara, are currently being monitored as they travel through the Atlantic, with recent pings placing them nearer to popular East Coast beaches. Alyssa, an approximately 18‑foot female, has been cruising through warmer offshore waters and is now trending closer toward coastal zones. Kara, a roughly 16‑foot female, has already pinged in areas not far from heavily visited beach destinations, putting both sharks within range of some of the busiest summer shorelines.

While these particular sharks are part of broader Pacific tracking projects, their movements are being discussed alongside a noticeable uptick in shark activity and sightings along the East Coast, including New Jersey. In recent weeks, other tagged white sharks—like Nori, a juvenile female tracked by OCEARCH—have pinged off the coasts of southern New Jersey and New York, underscoring how dynamic shark migration has become as waters warm and seasonal patterns shift.

• Shark Spotted Off Seaside Park Beach Draws Attention From Shoregoers – TomsRiver.org

Unusual marine activity along the East Coast

Researchers say this isn’t just about one or two sharks—it’s part of a larger pattern. Warmer ocean temperatures, shifting prey movements, and changing currents are contributing to unusual marine activity all along the Eastern Seaboard. Shark experts note that white sharks, in particular, follow predictable seasonal routes, moving north as waters warm and baitfish and seals become more abundant.

That means areas off New Jersey, New York, and New England can see more frequent shark presence in late spring and summer, especially offshore and near deeper channels. Tagged sharks like Nori have already signaled the start of this northward migration, and more individuals are expected to follow similar paths as the season progresses.

Officials: “No immediate danger”—but stay aware

Despite the attention these sharks are getting online, officials and scientists stress there is no evidence of an immediate, heightened danger to beachgoers. Great white sharks are not actively seeking humans; they are following food sources and temperature bands, and most tagged individuals remain well offshore.

However, the tracking data is very real—and it’s being watched closely. Agencies and research groups use satellite tags and acoustic receivers to monitor shark movements, helping them better understand migration patterns and, when necessary, advise coastal communities about any unusual activity.

Shark safety: what New Jersey beachgoers should know

Officials and marine experts recommend a few simple, common‑sense steps for anyone heading “down the Shore” this summer:

• Avoid dawn and dusk swimming: These are peak feeding times for many marine predators.
• Stay in groups: Sharks are more likely to investigate solitary swimmers than groups.
• Skip swimming near baitfish schools or birds diving: Lots of splashing fish—or birds feeding—can signal active feeding zones.
• Follow lifeguard and local advisories: If beaches are temporarily closed or warnings are posted due to sightings, take them seriously.
• Respect the ocean as a wild environment: Entering the water always carries some level of natural risk, just like hiking in wildlife areas.

You’re not the only one in the water…

So if you’re packing the car for a weekend in Atlantic City, Ocean City, Long Beach Island, Belmar, or Cape May, it’s worth remembering: you’re sharing the ocean with some of its most powerful and ancient residents.

There’s no need for panic—but awareness matters. The same tracking technology that lets researchers follow sharks like Alyssa, Kara, and Nori also gives coastal communities better information than ever before. As long as beachgoers stay informed, follow safety guidance, and respect the ocean, New Jersey’s summer can remain both exciting and safe.

Just know… when you wade into those waves, you might not be the only one out there enjoying the water.

• Shark Spotted Off Seaside Park Beach Draws Attention From Shoregoers – TomsRiver.org