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Millersville University biology professor and ichthyologist Dr. Dominique Didier is the leading expert on ghost sharks and played a key role in the discovery of a new ghost shark species from New Zealand called Harriotta avia. Just in time for Shark Week, and ahead of the Jan. 13, 2026, release of her co-authored book “Ghost Sharks of the World,” Didier shares insights on sharks and their role in the ecosystem.
What types of sharks are vacationers to beaches in New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland most likely to see or hear reports about this summer?
The most common sharks in coastal waters in this area are sandbar, dusky, smooth dogfish and Atlantic sharpnose. Spiny dogfish also occur in early spring as they migrate up the coast to Canada and return south in the fall. It’s important to recognize that these species are relatively small with maximum sizes around 60 inches. Offshore are where larger sharks live and the most common types are the shortfin mako, blue shark, bull and sand tiger, and encounters with these sharks garner a lot more media attention. The main shark you’ll probably hear about in the news, however, would be white sharks, because they really attract media attention. These are not common around here as they prefer colder waters and occur farther north; however, they have been reported off New Jersey.
The most likely way anyone will encounter a shark is if you are fishing for them.
What are some common misconceptions about sharks that you would like to debunk?
The most common misconception is that sharks are maneaters. Sharks are not hunting humans and do not select humans as a preferred food; in fact, sharks typically will avoid humans.
I think another misconception is that they are all large apex predators. Only 20 percent of all shark species reach lengths of six feet or more. More than 50 percent of sharks are less than three feet long, and most sharks live in the deep ocean.
What role do sharks play in an ecosystem?
Sharks are important predators and serve to keep other species in balance. Even small sharks are important for keeping other species in check. When sharks are overfished, we see a shift in the balance of species in the ecosystem with other, sometimes undesirable species taking over. By overfishing sharks, we have altered the ecosystem, and this affects both commercial and recreational fisheries as well as the overall health of the ecosystem, because a properly functioning ecosystem requires a balance of organisms at all trophic (feeding) levels.
What are the chances of being attacked by a shark?
Infinitesimal. You are more likely to be injured by a toilet seat. In fact, it is way more dangerous to get into the car and drive to the beach. Most people who are attacked by a shark are engaging in some type of risky behavior – and usually they don’t even realize it’s risky or unsafe behavior. For example, swimming where someone is fishing with bait, swimming alone at dusk or dark, purposefully harassing a shark, etc. Remember, the ocean is the shark’s habitat, it is their home, and we are the invaders. If someone broke into your home, you might just feel like attacking them.
Are sharks endangered?
YES! YES! YES! Most of the sharks in this area are threatened, and there are strict regulations on catching and landing them. If you are fishing and do catch a shark, please release it! There are excellent resources online with shark fishing regulations and information on how to safely release a shark.
Tell us about your new book.
I study a specific group of sharks known as ghost sharks. These are a group of poorly known deep water sharks with really unusual biology. I have been studying these sharks since the late 1980s when no one else was studying these fish; however, today there are several up-and-coming young scientists who have been inspired to focus on these unusual fish, and I’ve partnered with the other three ghost shark scientists to write the authoritative book on these enigmatic fishes. Our book, “Ghost Sharks of the World” will be released on Jan. 13, 2026.
I’d like to add that sharks are beautiful, wonderful creatures, worthy of our respect, and I encourage everyone to learn more about sharks and embrace the protection and conservation of sharks as well as their fragile ocean habitat.
Click here to pre-order “Ghost Sharks of the World” and learn more.
