Bermuda, known for its turquoise waters and rich marine life, is home to several species of sharks, though they are not commonly seen by beachgoers. While the island’s waters are not known for large populations of sharks, various species do inhabit the deep waters and reefs surrounding the island.
Sharks in Bermuda are most often seen offshore, particularly around deep-water drop-offs and coral reef systems. Some of the best places to encounter sharks include Challenger Banks, Argus Banks, and the deep waters beyond Bermuda’s outer reef line. These areas, located miles offshore, attract pelagic shark species due to the abundance of fish.
Divers and snorkelers occasionally spot sharks around shipwrecks, such as the famous wreck of the Cristóbal Colón, a site where marine biodiversity thrives. Night diving or deep-sea fishing also increases the likelihood of shark encounters, particularly with species that stay deeper during the day and rise closer to the surface at night.
Bermuda’s waters are home to a variety of shark species, including:
- Galapagos Shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis) – One of the more commonly seen sharks, especially around reef systems and deep banks.
- Tiger Shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) – Spotted offshore, these large predators are known for their powerful presence and scavenging habits.
- Caribbean Reef Shark (Carcharhinus perezii) – Found near reefs and drop-offs, though not frequently seen by swimmers.
- Hammerhead Sharks (Sphyrnidae family) – Occasionally seen passing through Bermuda’s waters, particularly great hammerheads.
- Oceanic Whitetip Shark (Carcharhinus longimanus) – A deep-water species sometimes observed far offshore.
- Blue Shark (Prionace glauca) – More commonly seen in deeper waters, particularly during migrations.
Historically, sharks were not only a part of Bermuda’s marine ecosystem but also an important resource for Bermudians. Before modern conservation efforts, shark fishing was a common practice.
Shark liver oil was once a valuable commodity in Bermuda, used for medicinal and practical purposes. Fishermen and locals extracted oil from the large, nutrient-rich livers of sharks, particularly from species like the dusky shark and Galapagos shark. Read about shark oil here!
Consumed in small doses, it was believed to boost immunity and improve overall health, much like cod liver oil. Some people used the oil as a remedy for cuts and skin conditions due to its supposed healing properties.
One of the most fascinating uses of shark liver oil in Bermuda was its role in shark oil barometers, traditional weather-predicting instruments used by fishermen and seafarers. These simple but effective barometers were made by placing refined shark liver oil in a sealed glass bottle. The oil would change in appearance based on atmospheric pressure and humidity, helping predict the weather.
Sharks were also once more regularly eaten, largely as Shark Hash – a dish made by grinding and seasoning shark meat. Unlike other popular fish dishes, shark hash required careful preparation due to the high urea content in shark meat, which can give it a strong, unpleasant taste if not properly treated.
This involves soaking the meat then boiling and grinding it, and finally seasoning and cooking.
Shark hash was a poor man’s meal, popular among Bermudian fishermen and working-class families. It was not considered a delicacy but rather a practical way to use available resources. Over time, the dish became rarer as shark fishing declined and other protein sources became more readily available.
Bermuda’s shark populations have declined. Conservation efforts and scientific research have led to greater awareness of the role sharks play in the ecosystem. Today, shark fishing in Bermuda is largely discouraged, and many species are protected. While shark products are no longer widely used, they remain an important part of Bermuda’s maritime history.
