It’s no secret that sharks off the coast of New England enjoy feeding on the tasty seals that bob up in down in the often frigid waters. In some cases, sharks are mistaken for other large fish prompting some to think that perhaps the most recent sounds of alarm are due to the fact that people are actively looking for fins cutting through the ocean. But experts suggest that a spike in the gray seal population is also part of the reason behind the influx of sightings.

According to the Patriot Ledger via Wicked Local, recent data shows that “gray seals observed in Massachusetts increased from 5,611 in 1999 to 15,756 in 2011.” And with more seals come more hungry sharks.

None of the sharks that recently came close to shore south of Boston injured any seafarers but the risk grows exponentially with the number of seals floating around.

We’re seeing seals earlier and earlier in the season, especially in the rivers. There’s more of them, and they’re staying for longer periods,” Marshfield Harbormaster Mike DiMeo said. “We’re seeing a lot more bait fish around. Naturally, seals have to eat, too, and with those come sharks.”

Gray seals live year round in the stretch of water from Maine to Nantucket, but with the weather quickly transitioning from summer to fall, dropping water temperatures are likely to mean less shark sightings.