Experts: Potential Increase In Number Of Sharks At Jersey Shore This Summer

ALLENHURST, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Experts are warning people at the Jersey Shore to stay on high alert for sharks this summer.

CBS2's Meg Baker reported there could be a potential increase in the number of sharks at the Jersey Shore. Experts said there were more attacks last year than ever before.

"There's definitely sharks out there, that's for sure," Ronald Fernicola a local surf shop owner in Allenhurst, said.

Fernicola said spotting sharks is nothing new here and has been listening to the experts when they said the number of sharks has recovered from the lows of the 1990s.

"When the water gets a little bit warmer, like pre-Sandy – that whole summer we got up to 78 degrees – there were definitely more shark sightings with the warmer water," Fernicola said.

For the past two summers, the water remained relatively cool, but this year already the water along the coast is warmer than usual, which is drawing sharks closer to shore.

Dr. Richard Fernicola, who wrote "12 Days of Terror" about the 1916 New Jersey shark attacks, said warmer temperatures change the species migration patterns and may lead the sharks into our waters earlier than usual.

More people in the water also increases the chances of a shark encounter.

"There have been a lot more surface flotation activities, including boogie boarding, kite boarding," Dr. Fernicola said.

He also added that people need to use common sense.

"If birds are diving into the ocean after prey refuge, or if you see a shark's fin, you should stay clear of that," Dr. Fernicola said.

Experts said to never swim near someone that is fishing because the bait draws sharks in closer to shore.

"Sharks do like to isolate victims," Dr. Fernicola said.

Experts added that it is best to swim with a friend and be aware of your surroundings.

Experts do believe there is a shark nursery area off the North Jersey Shore where many white sharks come to give birth.