Several popular beaches in Massachusetts will be closed this holiday weekend.

Numerous shark sightings have Chatham officials playing it safe by closing East-facing beaches indefinitely from the Orleans Chatham line all the way South to Monomoy Island.

The drastic move comes after several alarm sightings and seal attacks in the past seven days.

Fishermen have also reported seeing sharks in their nets offshore, and experts attempting to tag sharks observed a great white near South Beach close to the shoreline.

Officials say the sharks are interested in the growing seal population that continues moving closer to shore.

For now, popular swimming spots like Lighthouse Beach and Nauset Beach in nearby Orleans will remain open -- but officials will be closely patrolling them.

CNN