Hopefully the sharks are warning each other about the Cape’s “fish trap.”

Yet another thresher shark washed up dead on a Cape beach over the weekend — the second shark that was recently found stranded on a bay beach.

Local shark researchers responded on Saturday to the 13-foot male shark on Eastham’s Campground Beach.

“This is the time of year we see strandings as water temperatures start to drop and species try to move south only to be drawn into the Cape Cod fish trap,” shark researcher John Chisholm, adjunct scientist at the New England Aquarium, posted after leading the necropsy.

“It’s no coincidence that many of these critters wash up along the beaches on the east side of Cape Cod Bay,” he added.

A thresher shark washed up dead on a Cape beach over the weekend. (John Chisholm photo)

The Cape’s unique shape and position on the coast essentially turns it into a fish weir, directing species into the bay where they become trapped.

“Unfortunately, unlike the cold stunned turtles that are being rescued along these same beaches, sharks need to be in the water to breathe so once they get stranded chances of rescue are very low,” Chisholm wrote.

“We do make every effort to save these creatures and groups like NECWA (New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance) go above and beyond with their rescue efforts so if you do come across a stranded individual please report it,” he added. “The sooner someone can respond, the better the chance for survival.”

2nd stranded thresher shark of the week. This is the time of year we see strandings as water temperatures start to drop and species try to move south only to be drawn into the Cape Cod fish trap. pic.twitter.com/bAUxkJZm8S

— MA Sharks (@MA_Sharks) December 6, 2025

Related Articles

Shark dies after stranding on Cape Cod; researchers tag great white in ‘exciting milestone’

White sharks still spotted off Cape Cod, tagged shark ‘Danny’ found dead

Shark chomps on seal close to Massachusetts beaches: ‘We’re in peak white shark season’

A joint team from NECWA, the New England Aquarium and Atlantic White Shark Conservancy were able to gather data from the shark.

Researchers conducted a necropsy of the shark. (John Chisholm photo)

With guidance from NOAA Fisheries’ Michelle Passerotti, samples were collected for further analysis.

“Although it is very sad to see such a beautiful animal stranded dead along our shores, this is a great opportunity for our interns and volunteers as a learning experience,” NECWA posted. “And the photos, data and tissues collected from this carcass will help scientists better understand this unusual species.”