Advancing Shark Research: New Support for White Shark Conservation

We are honored to receive a grant from the Disney Conservation Fund in recognition of our work to expand the boundaries of shark research and conservation. This grant is part of Disney’s annual investments as a part of Disney Planet Possible – tangible actions the Company is taking to support a healthier planet for people and wildlife around the globe. This grant supports our efforts to demystify white sharks and their life history, while educating future generations and inspiring action for ocean conservation.
In addition to supporting our tagging work, this grant funds a groundbreaking study on the genetic diversity of white sharks in the western North Atlantic, using fin clips from 92 tagged sharks. Collaborators at Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi, will apply genomic techniques to analyze kinship and diversity within this shark population. By examining these genetic relationships, we aim to understand whether site fidelity—where sharks return to specific feeding grounds repeatedly—is a behavior driven by genetics, social cues, or environmental factors.

Previous studies have shown that some shark species demonstrate site fidelity by revisiting specific areas for feeding or breeding, similar to how salmon return to their native rivers. While much of the focus has been on how female sharks return to specifc nursery areas, this study explores whether adult white sharks also have favored feeding grounds they frequent regularly, and if these behaviors are inherited.
Thanks to support from the Disney Conservation Fund, we’re able to make these findings publicly available, inspiring future conservationists and working to protect vital ocean ecosystems.
Disney Conservation is committed to saving wildlife and building a diverse global community inspired to protect the magic of nature together. Since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed more than $125 million to support nonprofit organizations working with communities to save wildlife, inspire action and protect the planet.