CHARLESTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) — The shark that Captain Carl Granquist caught just South of Charlestown in September is unique because of both where it comes from and its size.

Granquist and his mate Bryce Biggs were able to take a video and measurements of the shark so they could send the helpful information to the Rhode Island-based Atlantic Shark Institute.

Jon Dodd, the Executive Director of the Atlantic Shark Institute, says Granquist has been a valued contributor for years and helped with a number of research projects.

Still, he was surprised when he saw Granquist's catch that day.

“I knew it was one of two species of shark and either one would be a pretty unique find here in Rhode Island waters, particularly at only 24 inches in length," Dodd said.

The shark appeared to be either a juvenile spinner shark or blacktip shark, two species that are normally spotted further South.

The two species of sharks can be very difficult to tell apart, so Dodd worked with scientists from Yale University and Florida Atlantic University to identify the shark using frame-by-frame analysis.

The group positively identified the fish as a young spinner shark. The Atlantic Shark Institute said New England waters are not normally home to juveniles of this species.

“According to the literature, most documented nursery habitat for spinners range from the Carolinas to Florida,” explained Dr. Joshua Moyer from Yale. “But here we have a small shark with a partially healed umbilical wound, supporting its designation as a young-of-the-year shark, in Rhode Island.”

The scientists don't yet know if the shark's nursery habitat is moving North due to climate change or if the shark is just a "rare stray."

"Why did mom decide to give birth up here in Rhode Island waters, in a place where it's a little bit cooler and not typical of their nursery habitat?" Dodd asked. "Is this a one-off? Or is this the start of something that we're going to see more often?"

“Our oceans are changing, known habitats are changing, and what we knew to be the case only 10 years ago may no longer be accurate," Dodd said. "That is both exciting and disconcerting.”