Sharks are top predators and ecosystem regulators. However, they face increasing pressure from climate change, overfishing and habitat destruction. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is building upon a broader white shark research program led by the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC) and the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) to detect the seasonal presence and movements of tagged white sharks at multiple sites along the coast of Atlantic Canada. 

Monitoring the seasonal presence of sharks in Atlantic Canada will greatly improve the understanding of white shark distribution and migration patterns in Canadian waters. Research results will also help DFO meet additional legal requirements under the Species at Risk Act. It will also support other regulatory bodies in evaluating and implementing white shark conservation measures.  

The Ocean Tracking Network (OTN) supports shark, skate and ray tracking studies in the Northwest Atlantic by providing expertise, field personnel, infrastructure and data warehousing to enable research programs and ultimately provide knowledge that informs policy-makers on protection measures.

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