Nurse Shark Spotted in Big Lagoon

Many who have snorkeled or dove in the Florida Keys have most likely encountered nurse sharks there – they are quite common.  But here in the northern Gulf – though present – encounters are not as frequent.  In the Keys you can don a mask, swim along a seawall, bridge piling, or over limestone bottom in shallow water and found one – maybe several.  In the northern Gulf encounters are more offshore by SCUBA alone, and I would say – still not that common.

All this to say that one was seen off a dock recently in Escambia County inside the bay.  It was swimming along the edge of the dock in a seagrass bed searching for something to eat.  Again, this would not be abnormal if in south Florida, but a cool event in our area.

Nurse sharks are docile fish recognized by their brownish copper coloration, two large dorsal fins set back on their dorsal side, and barbels extending from their upper jaw similar to catfish.  These barbels indicate they are more bottom feeders, and they spend a lot of time lying on the bottom.  Though they can reach lengths of 14 feet, nurse sharks are not considered a threat – unless you mess with them – and exciting to see.

They are considered a tropical species – hence the lower number of encounters in our area.  They prefer hardbottom – such as coral reefs and limestone shelves – higher salinities, dissolved oxygen levels, and clear water.  Over this summer local water temperatures have increased, and the lack of rain has increased salinities across the area.  The lower amount of rain has reduced stormwater runoff from land and allowed the water to become clearer.  Everything that a nurse shark would want.

As mentioned, encounters with this species are not considered threatening and a very cool memory.  We do not know how long the current conditions will last but maybe you too will see one.  It would be pretty exciting.

Nurse shark inside bay in Escambia County.
Photo: Angela Guttman