Sharks of Onslow County: A Closer Look Beneath the Surface

North Carolina’s coastline is more than just a scenic destination — it’s a living, shifting ecosystem where over 70 species of sharks either pass through or call home. Here in Onslow County, we sit at the edge of a thriving marine highway where sharks play vital roles in the health and balance of the ocean. This blog is your guide to understanding them — through science, seasonal insight, and observation.

Who’s Behind This Blog?

I’m an independent marine scientist based in Onslow County, North Carolina. My research focuses on marine predators, particularly sharks, and their presence in our coastal waters. I started this blog to share what I learn with the local community — from migration patterns to myth-busting to how sharks help keep our ocean healthy.

Sharks in Our Local Waters

Many are surprised to learn that North Carolina’s coastal waters support such a wide variety of sharks. Some species are seasonal visitors, others are year-round residents. Here’s a quick snapshot of some that appear regularly in the Onslow County area:

• Blacktip & spinner sharks – both known for their acrobatic, spinning leaps from the water
• Sandbar sharks – large, powerful, and often found near sandbars and inlets
• Bonnethead sharks – smaller relatives of hammerheads with distinctive shovel-shaped heads
• Atlantic sharpnose sharks – small, sleek, and common in summer
• Tiger, bull & great white sharks – less common nearshore but known to pass through our deeper waters

Each season brings changes — both in the number of sharks and the species we see. That’s part of what makes the local waters so dynamic.

Why They Come and Go

Shark activity near Onslow County shifts throughout the year depending on:

• Water temperature – Move with the seasons to avoid colder waters in the winter
• Prey availability – Sharks follow fish, rays, and crustaceans that can trigger migrations
• Mating and pupping – Some species use NC’s estuaries and shallow coastlines as nursery grounds

Most sharks migrate along the Gulf Stream current and smaller coastal currents and eddies, passing through North Carolina during their journeys between cooler and warmer waters.

Sharks and People: What’s True and What’s Hype?

You’ve probably seen viral headlines about shark sightings or encounters — but here’s the truth:

• Shark encounters in NC are extremely rare — you’re far more likely to be injured by beach gear than a shark.
• Sharks are not targeting humans. Most incidents happen when sharks mistake a person for prey in murky water.
• Healthy shark populations = healthy oceans. Sharks keep fish populations in balance, helping reefs and seagrasses thrive.

The more we learn about sharks, the less fear they inspire — and the more respect they earn.

What You Can Expect from This Blog

Each week or two, I’ll share:

• Local shark updates
• Myth-busting posts
• Seasonal migration guides
• Photos, sightings, and stories from the NC coast
• Educational resources for students and families
• Ways to get involved in citizen science or local shark conservation

This blog is for curious minds, beach lovers, teachers, parents, and anyone who’s ever wondered:
“What’s swimming just offshore?”

Let’s Stay Connected

• Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for real-time updates and shark facts.
• Got questions or sightings to share? Send them my way — I may feature them in a future post.

Thanks for reading, and welcome to your new window into the wild, fascinating world just beneath the surface.
🦈 🌊 – Angelique Mitchell