A novel venture catering to thrill-seeking tourists is set to make waves off the coast of Nova Scotia, offering the unique opportunity to cage dive with great white sharks. Atlantic Shark Expeditions, a new business endeavor, aims to combine research with the exhilaration of up-close encounters with these awe-inspiring creatures.
Beginning August 1st and running until the end of October, Atlantic Shark Expeditions will operate daily trips from Liverpool. Visitors can partake in daylong excursions for a fee of $395 per person, opting to observe the sharks either from the safety of the boat or from a secure cage, equipped with a wetsuit and snorkeling gear.
Leading the initiative is Neil Hammerschlag, a highly experienced marine biologist who has dedicated over 25 years to studying and working with sharks in various locations, including South Africa, the Galapagos, the Bahamas, and Florida.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the project, Hammerschlag shares, “I’m really excited. I’m hoping Nova Scotians will get behind this and get really excited, be proud of the sharks that we have here. I mean, Nova Scotia is known as Canada’s ocean playground. I really hope people take advantage of that ocean playground.”
Great white sharks have been known to frequent the waters off Nova Scotia, and recent tagging efforts have drawn attention to their presence. Alongside offering an unforgettable experience for tourists, Hammerschlag plans to utilize these expeditions for vital research on the influence of human activity and climate change on great whites. He aims to gain a deeper understanding of the sharks’ population dynamics over time and their behavior within Nova Scotia.
While Hammerschlag acknowledges that sightings during expeditions cannot be guaranteed, participants will have the opportunity to observe other marine life such as seals, fish, and birds.
No Risk to Beachgoers or Surfers
Neil Hammerschlag reassures beachgoers and surfers that there is no cause for alarm. He asserts that the operation will be conducted at least three miles offshore, far away from areas where people are swimming. He cites research from South Africa and Australia, which suggests that cage diving operations, even those employing bait, do not significantly impact shark behavior.
Hammerschlag also clarifies that the expeditions will vary their locations, ensuring they are not stationed in the same spot every day. This approach further minimizes potential interactions with surfers or other ocean users.
Fred Whoriskey, the executive director of the Ocean Tracking Network, a research organization based at Dalhousie University, highlights the importance of striking a balance between the company’s activities and the needs of other ocean users. He draws attention to the thriving multimillion-dollar shark cage diving industry in South Africa, which coexists harmoniously alongside surfing.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada has granted Atlantic Shark Expeditions a permit under the Species at Risk Act, allowing them to conduct research on white sharks. The permit is valid from May to November in both 2023 and 2024, and the federal department ensures regular monitoring of operations to ensure compliance with permit conditions.
Perfect for Adventure Travellers in Nova Scotia
The introduction of cage diving with great white sharks off Nova Scotia’s South Shore brings together adventure-seeking tourists and shark research objectives. While concerns have been raised by surfers, measures are in place to minimize interactions and maintain a balance between tourism and other ocean activities. Through this venture, Neil Hammerschlag and his team aim to shed light on the mysteries surrounding these majestic creatures, contributing to their conservation and recovery efforts.
