Our Sharks

North Carolina has a diverse ecosystem with over 70 species of sharks either migrating through or inhabiting its waters that changes with each season.

There are 10 different species of sharks that have been selected to research and study in the Onslow County area of North Carolina, from Surf City to Onslow Beach, Camp Lejeune. These sharks have been selected for their proximity to nearshore and estuaries, historical seasonal migrations in this region, and frequently asked questions. The ten species of sharks being examined are:

• Atlantic sharpnose shark, Rhizoprionodon terranovae
• Atlantic spiny dogfish, Squalus acanthias
• Blacktip shark, Carcharhinus limbatus
• Bonnethead shark, Sphyma tiburo
• Bull shark, Carcharhinus leucas
• Dusky shark, Carcharhinus obscuras
• Great white shark, Carcharhinus carcharias
• Sandbar shark, Carcharhinus plumbeus
• Sand tiger shark, Carcharhinus taurus
• Spinner shark, Carcharhinus brevipinna

Sharks are a cartilaginous species (meaning cartilage instead of bones), so they differ from other fish species. As a predator, they help maintain ecosystems by keeping the food chain in balance. They have longer gestation times due to slow growth, females mature at a later age, and they produce fewer offspring (ASFMC, 2024, p. 2-3). This makes them vulnerable to overfishing as target fishing and/or as bycatch. Sharks produce live young or through eggs inside the mother at a larger pup size to enhance the survivability of young. Sharks also tend to migrate in groups of the same sex at specific times of the year to mate, gestate and give birth, so at times, this pattern makes them more vulnerable to overfishing and/or bycatch.

In North Carolina, four (4) sharks on our website that are listed as protected species that cannot be fished or landed. They are: 

• Dusky shark, Carcharhinus obscuras
• Great white shark, Carcharhinus carcharias
• Sandbar shark, Carcharhinus plumbeus
• Sand tiger shark, Carcharhinus taurus

All other listed sharks have specific regulations for fishing and landing the species. 

The fishing regulations and information provided on this website are for general information purposes only. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the content, fishing laws and regulations can change frequently and vary by location. It is the responsibility of each angler to verify the current local, state, and federal fishing laws before fishing. Always consult the official website or contact the appropriate wildlife and fisheries agency for the most up-to-date rules and regulations.

We are not liable for any penalties, fines, or legal issues that may arise from the use or misuse of the information on this site.