Research Conservancy Celebrates Data-Logging Success in Efforts to Better Understand White Sharks
Researchers with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy are celebrating their data-logging efforts, which are helping to narrow the research gap in understanding these creatures’ behavior.
Last year, in partnership with Massachusetts state fisheries biologist Greg Skomal, Conservancy staff identified and collected information on dozens of individual white sharks, including 25 tagged in 2024. During these research trips, researchers obtained over 200 underwater video clips that helped them identify 76 individual sharks. Their work added over two dozen newly identified white sharks to the Conservancy’s photo database of more than 700 sharks.
“This season has been successful in advancing both our research and education efforts to foster a deeper understanding of white sharks and the possibilities for peaceful coexistence between sharks and humans,” said Conservancy Executive Director Cynthia Wigren in a statement provided to The Cape Cod Chronicle.
The 2024 research season marks the 11th anniversary of the Conservancy’s partnership with the state, public safety, and beach managers to expand the knowledge base around great white sharks. The project’s goal is to protect the shark population and inform decisions and policies that can reduce the occurrences of shark attacks on people.
In addition to research expeditions performed in 2024, Conservancy officials also celebrated its shark education efforts during the 2024 season. According to Conservancy records, more than 21,000 people visited the Conservancy’s shark centers in North Chatham and Provincetown. It also offered educational programming to more than 7,000 students and organized charter boat shark-watching experiences for close to 300 people, including free shark cruises for 23 veterans served through the nonprofit Heroes in Transition.
“These achievements are a direct result of our dedicated team, invaluable partnerships, and the unwavering support of our donors, whose contributions make it all possible,” Wigren added.
