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North Oregon Coast Shark Report May be Bull |
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Covering 180 miles of Oregon coast travel: Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Nehalem, Wheeler, Rockaway, Garibaldi, Tillamook, Oceanside, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Newport, Waldport, Yachats & Florence.
08/11/07
Secrets of the Season |
North Oregon Coast Shark Report May be Bull
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| Porpoises swarm the cove at Seaside last year (photo: Tiffany Boothe, Seaside Aquarium) |
(Rockaway Beach, Oregon) – The rumors are flying, the local media is abuzz and the beaches are closed to swimming in Rockaway Beach because of a possible sighting of sharks there. But amidst the cautions about playing in the water lies a cautionary tale: it may well have been porpoises.
Thursday night, various reports came into the Rockaway Beach Police Department claiming the sighting of sharks in the water. Some stories have four sharks playing around just offshore; some purport eight. Some reports say it was a group of salmon sharks, which are common to the coast, and a few dead ones wash up each year on these beaches. Other reports claim the sighting of a great white sharks, which are much rarer – as are shark attacks of any kind in the area.
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| Photo: Tiffany Boothe, Seaside Aquarium |
Tradewinds Motel, Rockaway Beach. All rooms are immaculate and have TV’s, VCR’s and in-room phones w/ data ports. Oceanfronts have queen bed, a double hide-a-bed, kitchen, cozy firelog fireplace and private deck. Both types sleep up to four people. Others are appointed for a two-person romantic getaway, yet still perfect for those on a budget. Elaborate oceanfront Jacuzzi suite has two bedrooms, kitchen, double hide-a-bed, fireplace and private deck, sleeping as many as six. For family reunions or large gatherings such as weddings, some rooms can connect to create two-room and three-room suites. Some rooms pet friendly. 523 N. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. (503) 355-2112 - 1-800-824-0938. www.tradewinds-motel.com |
Early Friday morning, Rockaway police went around to various businesses, hotels and beach accesses, distributing flyers that all but closed off the beaches to swimming.
A spokesman for the Rockaway Beach police department said the varied reports of sharks had come in, so they opted to be on the safe side and asked the public to not swim in the ocean.
Northwest Oregon media took this ball and ran with it, with at least one TV station from Portland showing footage of people playing in the surf, apparently ignoring the warnings. That group was wading in water about two inches high, where any shark of any size could not terrorize human beings.
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| Notice in Rockaway (photo: Rachel Sip, BeachConnection.net) |
A fisherman recently photographed a six-foot-long salmon shark in the waters off Rockaway, which has led some to believe more of them are in the area.
The newsroom at the Tillamook Headlight-Herald was contacted by one TV station, inquiring about a massive swarm of sharks. But all this hubbub may well be a simple occurrence of porpoises that happens often at this time of year.
Keith Chandler, manager of Seaside Aquarium, heard about the reports from Rockaway police and said it’s probably not sharks of any kind.
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| Warning posted at Rockaway Beach access (photo: Rachel Sip, BeachConnection.net) |
“I heard about them in a grouping of four, supposedly hunting in a pack,” Chandler said. “Sharks don’t do that. It sounds like porpoises to me. Those run around in groups together. But I didn’t see it, so I don’t know. A dorsal fin is a dorsal fin.”
Staff
at the Seaside Aquarium predicted more porpoises would show up on the
Oregon coast soon, because of the nutrients being gushed up from the deep
in a series of upwellings. These nutrients are comprised of a lot of phytoplankton,
which draws in many kinds of baitfish, such as anchovies. These, in turn,
coax lots of pelicans and porpoises in.
The possibility of other predators such as sharks feeding off this plentiful amount of fish is very real. But Chandler doesn’t think they’ve wandered this close to shore.
“I’ve seen a lot of porpoises lately,” Chandler said. "It's just my opinion. As i said, I haven't seen them. But I think it was porpoises."
Meanwhile,
the entire Oregon coast is being bathed in a spectacular showing of meteor
showers this weekend, with crystal clear skies allowing great viewing
of the falling stars.
Also, the region has been seeing a preponderance of "glowing sand," a phenomenon caused by tiny bioluminescent phytoplankton called dinoflagelettes. These create a wild effect of small, faint greenish sparks beneath your feet as you walk on them at the tideline, in a really dark place.
A1 Beach Rentals, Lincoln City. Perfect for large family vacations all the way down to a getaway lodging for two - with over 25 vacation rental homes to choose from. A breathtaking collection of craftsman or traditional beachfront homes, or oceanview houses – from one to seven bedrooms. In various areas of Lincoln City and overlooking the beach, with some in Depoe Bay. All kinds of amenities are available, like hot tubs, decks, BBQ, rock fireplaces, beamed ceilings and more. Some are new, some are historic charmers. Lincoln City, Oregon. 1-(503)-232-5984. www.a1beachrentals.com. |
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Arch
Cape Property Services.
Dozens of homes in that dreamy,
rugged stretch between Cannon Beach and Manzanita known as Arch
Cape. Oceanfront and ocean view , or just a short walk from the
sea. |
D Sands Condominium Motel, Lincoln City. Free, fresh baked cookie upon check-in is just the start. All rooms beachfront and up against Lincoln City's most famous stretch of beach: the D River. Each room comes as a suite or mini-suite, and has a kitchen and balcony or patio. Some w/ gas fireplaces, while all have a DVD Players; movies to rent come with free popcorn. Heated indoor pool, a spa, and this fabulous beach is lit at night. Rooms sleep from two, four to six - including a deluxe fireplace suite. Gift certificates orspecial occasion packages. www.dsandsmotel.com. 171 S.W. Highway 101. 800-527-3925. |
Weiss' Paradise Suites & Vacation Rentals - Seaside
Unique Luxury Accommodations in Seaside. 1BR Suites,
1BR & 2BR Duplex Units and 3BR Houses, units for 2-8 people.
Rent entire property for 20-26. Close to beach, river and Broadway
St. |
Lincoln City Vacation Homes Something for everyone: smaller homes with a view to a large house that sleeps 15. All are either oceanfront or just a few steps away – all with a low bank access and fantastic views. Most are in the Nelscott area; one is close to the casino. You’ll find a variety of goodies: fireplaces, multiple bedrooms, dishwashers, Jacuzzis, washer/dryers, hot tubs, cable TV, VCR, barbecues; there’s a loft in one, and another sprawling home has two apartments. Pets allowed in some homes – ask first. Each comes with complete kitchens. Most have seventh night free. Prices range from winter $85 to summer $230 per night. www.getaway2thecoast.com. 541-994-8778. |
Inn At Spanish Head, Lincoln City. Lincoln City’s only resort hotel built right on the beach with all oceanfront rooms - nestled against a rugged cliffside overlooking a soft, sandy beach. Dine in penthouse restaurant and bar, for casual meal or candlelight dinner. An array of seafood specialties, juicy steaks and other Northwest favorites, including decadent Sunday buffet. Rooms range from bedrooms to studios to 1-bedroom suites with microwaves and refrigerators to full kitchens. Also, wi-fi, spa, saunas, exercise room and year-round heated swimming pool. Kids will love the game room and easy beach access. Full-service conference/meeting rooms for that inspirational retreat; extensive wedding possibilities. 4009 SW Highway 101, Lincoln City. 1-800-452-8127 or 541-996-2161. www.spanishhead.com |
 Inn
at Cannon Beach. Beautifully wooded natural setting at quiet south
end of Cannon Beach. Great during winter storms with a new book by
the fireplace – or when the sun is out for family fun and beach
strolling. Handsome beach cottage-style architecture. Lush flowering
gardens and naturalized courtyard pond. Warm, inviting guest rooms.
Continental buffet breakfast. Warm Cookies. Family and Pet Friendly.
Welcome gifts. Smoke-free. Complimentary Wireless Connectivity. Wine
and book signing events. 800-321-6304 or 503-436-9085. Hemlock At
Surfcrest, Cannon Beach, Oregon. www.atcannonbeach.com. |
The Ocean Lodge. There will not be another property built like this in Cannon Beach in our lifetimes. Rare, premiere ocean front location; handsome, dramatic architecture and tasteful, fun (nostalgic) beach interiors. Overlooks Haystack Rock. 100 percent smoke free. Imaginative special occasion packages. Massive wood burning lobby fireplace. Library w/ fireplace, stocked with impressive book collection. Pet and family friendly. Lavish continental buffet breakfast. In-room fireplaces, mini-kitchens. Jacuzzi tubs in select rooms. DVD players, complimentary movies. Morning paper. Warm cookies. 888-777-4047. 503-436-2241. 2864 Pacific Street. Cannon Beach, Oregon. www.theoceanlodge.com |
STARFISH
POINT Newport - Offers only the finest in luxury condominium
lodging. Every unit is focused on the beauty of the sea and the
beach. |
DIVE
INTO LUXURY, HISTORY AT THE TIDES THE TIDES BY THE SEA, Seaside. For over 80 years a favorite of Seaside visitors. 51 oceanfront condos, individually owned and decorated. Suites for couples, small apartments with fireplaces and kitchenettes, one or two bed family units with fireplaces, kitchens and dining rooms. Oceanview cottages sleep anywhere from two to eight, w/ two bedrooms, some with lofts, fireplaces and kitchens. Heated outdoor pool, enormous grounds w/ picnic tables - all at quiet southern end of Seaside. 2316 Beach Drive. 800-548-2846. www.thetidesbythesea.com. |
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