OCEARCH, Cisco Brewers, and the Nantucket Triathlon celebrate another successful year of community impact during Shark Week
NANTUCKET, Mass. – July 2026 – To kick off Shark Week, thousands of athletes, island residents, visitors, and ocean advocates came together throughout the day at Cisco Brewers for the annual White Shark Party, following the Nantucket Triathlon, to celebrate Nantucket’s unique connection to one of the world’s most iconic marine species while supporting OCEARCH’s mission to advance shark research and help return our world’s oceans to balance and abundance.
Now in its third year, the White Shark Party has become one of Nantucket’s signature Shark Week traditions. Together, OCEARCH, Cisco Brewers, and the Nantucket Triathlon have raised more than $60,000 over the past three years to support shark science, ocean research, education, and conservation—demonstrating the extraordinary impact a community can make when it comes together around a shared purpose.
As conversations around sharks take center stage ahead of Shark Week, the White Shark Party offers a different perspective—one rooted in science, stewardship, and respect for one of the ocean’s most important apex predators.
The waters surrounding Nantucket and the greater New England region are a critical seasonal habitat for the Western North Atlantic white shark population. Every year, white sharks return to these productive waters to feed, with some remaining in New England while others continue north into Atlantic Canada before migrating south in late fall.
OCEARCH’s research has helped reveal how connected these sharks are throughout their lives. For this population of white sharks, life begins in the nursery grounds of the New York–New Jersey Bight before expanding their range along the U.S. East Coast, ultimately returning to productive summer/fall feeding habitats like Nantucket and the surrounding region. By studying sharks throughout this range, OCEARCH and its scientific partners continue to unlock critical insights into migration, habitat use, reproductive ecology, and ocean health—information that helps scientists, resource managers, and coastal communities better understand and conserve this iconic species.
“There are very few places in the world where a community has such a direct connection to one of the ocean’s most important apex predators,” said Chris Fischer, Founder and Expedition Leader of OCEARCH. “The waters surrounding Nantucket are a critical part of the annual life cycle of the Western North Atlantic white shark population. Every summer these animals return here, and every summer this community shows up to support the science that helps us better understand and protect them. That’s what makes the White Shark Party so special—it celebrates the unique relationship between Nantucket, its people, and one of the best-studied white shark populations in the world.”
Hosted at Cisco Brewers immediately following the Nantucket Triathlon, the White Shark Party featured live music, Shark Tracker Light Lager, exclusive OCEARCH merchandise, educational exhibits, and opportunities for guests to connect with the science behind one of the world’s leading ocean research organizations.
“Our partnership with OCEARCH has always been about celebrating Nantucket’s unique connection to the ocean,” said Jay Harman, Founder of Cisco Brewers. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see our community rally behind such an important cause year after year. The White Shark Party continues to grow because people genuinely care about protecting our oceans and supporting meaningful science. We’re proud to help create an event that brings people together around something much bigger than ourselves.”
The Nantucket Triathlon once again selected OCEARCH as one of its charitable beneficiaries, transforming race weekend into a celebration of athletic achievement, community, and conservation.
“What started as an idea to bring our community together has grown into something truly meaningful,” said Bill Burnett, Founder of the Nantucket Triathlon. “Seeing athletes, volunteers, local businesses, and visitors unite behind OCEARCH’s mission is incredibly rewarding. Together, we’ve now contributed more than $60,000 over the past three years to support shark research and ocean conservation, and that’s something our entire community can be proud of.”
Since its inception, the White Shark Party has become one of Nantucket’s signature summer conservation events, helping fund OCEARCH’s global research expeditions, scientific collaborations, education initiatives, and the OCEARCH Global Shark Tracker™, which allows millions of people around the world to follow the real-time movements of sharks and other marine animals while connecting directly with ocean science.
“The White Shark Party represents exactly what conservation should look like,” Fischer added. “When communities come together around science, education, and a shared love for the ocean, we create lasting impact. Conservation isn’t something one organization accomplishes alone—it’s something we build together.”
“Shark Week reminds us how fascinated the world is by sharks,” Fischer continued. “The White Shark Party reminds us that fascination can become action. Every person who joined us in Nantucket is helping advance the science needed to better understand and conserve one of the ocean’s most iconic species.”
OCEARCH extends its sincere appreciation to Cisco Brewers, the Nantucket Triathlon, athletes, volunteers, sponsors, donors, and every attendee whose generosity continues to advance the future of shark science and ocean conservation. We’re thrilled to continue this partnership and can’t wait to join you again for the 2027 Nantucket Triathlon on July 17th, 2027!
ABOUT OCEARCH
OCEARCH is a global 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to returning our world’s oceans to balance and abundance through fearless innovations in scientific research, education, outreach, and policy.
OCEARCH operates one of the world’s leading platforms for studying sharks and other ocean giants, collaborating with top scientists and institutions to generate previously unattainable insights into the movement, biology, health, and ecology of keystone marine species. Through nearly 50 expeditions spanning six continents, OCEARCH has helped transform the scientific understanding of white sharks, tiger sharks, dusky sharks, and other keystone marine species, contributing to more than 105 peer-reviewed scientific publications. The organization’s research helps advance ocean science, inform conservation and management decisions, support sustainable fisheries, and improve understanding of our rapidly changing oceans.
Through its free Global Shark Tracker™, mobile app, and STEM education programs, OCEARCH connects millions of people worldwide to real-time ocean science, inspiring curiosity, stewardship, and the next generation of researchers, conservationists, and ocean advocates.
Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, OCEARCH is developing a first-of-its-kind global campus for ocean research, education, conservation, and public engagement. By bringing together scientists, students, policymakers, industry leaders, and the public, OCEARCH is helping build a future where healthy oceans support thriving communities, sustainable fisheries, and abundant marine life for generations to come.
Learn more at OCEARCH.org.
ABOUT CISCO BREWERS
Cisco Brewers is a Nantucket-based craft brewery known for its lively atmosphere, innovative brews, and strong community ties. As a longstanding partner of OCEARCH, Cisco Brewers has supported ocean research through its popular Shark Tracker Light Lager and other initiatives, contributing to OCEARCH’s mission to protect and study marine life. For more information, visit https://www.ciscobrewers.com/nantucket.
ABOUT THE NANTUCKET TRIATHLON
The Nantucket Triathlon is one of the most anticipated athletic events on the island, drawing athletes from all over the world to compete in a scenic, challenging race. The event is designed to promote fitness and camaraderie while supporting local and global charitable causes, including nonprofit OCEARCH. For more information, visit https://www.acktri.com/.
MEDIA CONTACT
Avery Diaz
Senior Content & Communications Specialist, OCEARCH
864.990.6524
OCEARCH TAGGED, TRACKED, & STUDIED WHITE SHARK “MARY LEE”
Mary Lee, one of the most iconic white sharks tagged by OCEARCH, was tagged off the Nantucket region in 2012. Since then, she has traveled over 40,000 miles, providing invaluable data on the migratory patterns and behavior of the North West Atlantic white shark population. Her remarkable journey continues to inspire OCEARCH’s research efforts and the local community’s dedication to shark conservation.
PARTNERS IN SHARK CONSERVATION: A MOMENT OF IMPACT AT THE 2026 WHITE SHARK PARTY
A powerful moment at the 2026 White Shark Party as Bill Burnett (middle), Chris Fischer (left), and Jay Harman (right) come together to present a generous donation to OCEARCH. Their partnership symbolizes the shared commitment between the Nantucket Triathlon, Cisco Brewers, and OCEARCH in supporting shark research and conservation efforts. Together, they continue to make advancements in protecting the health of our oceans and the protection of the Western North Atlantic white shark population.
THE ENERGY OF THE WHITE SHARK PARTY AT CISCO BREWERS
The 2026 White Shark Party at Cisco Brewers was one of the most highly attended and vibrant events of the year, drawing a passionate crowd from near and far. Guests enjoyed live music, great company, and a shared commitment to supporting OCEARCH’s mission to protect white sharks. This event highlighted the community’s dedication to ocean conservation and the excitement surrounding OCEARCH’s groundbreaking research efforts. Attendees were thrilled to take home amazing prizes from OCEARCH, Cisco Brewers, and YETI Coolers!
CISCO SHARK TRACKER LAGER SUPPORTING OCEARCH RESEARCH ON THE M/V OCEARCH
Cisco’s Shark Tracker Lager aboard the M/V OCEARCH embodies the partnership between the brewery and OCEARCH in supporting vital shark research. With each sip, proceeds from the sale of Shark Tracker Lager help fund OCEARCH’s expeditions and groundbreaking studies on white sharks and marine conservation. This unique collaboration fuels both the research and the mission to protect the oceans’ apex predators.
