EXPEDITION NOVA SCOTIA Watch now
Sept 7 - Sept 30, 2021
EXPEDITION BRIEF

OCEARCH returns to Atlantic Canada for the 4th year to embark on our 42nd Ocean Research Expedition in the waters off of Nova Scotia. After tagging 73 total white sharks in their Northwest Atlantic White Shark study, 26 of which were tagged off of Nova Scotia, OCEARCH has helped unveil this region as a vital hotspot for the Northwest Atlantic white shark.​​

Alongside 42 collaborators from 29 organizations, Expedition Nova Scotia 2021 will increase our study’s sample size and collect data for 24 different science projects which will help form a complete picture of the life and health of the white shark in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean. OCEARCH’s Northwest Atlantic White Shark Study is the most comprehensive study of white sharks in the world and includes:
• Full health assessments of each shark
• Microbiological Studies
• Microplastic-associated toxin exposure
• Movement, Temperature, and Depth Studies through the use of 3 different tags
• And More…

Expedition Nova Scotia 2021 takes place from September 7 – 30 and will help expand our knowledge on the white sharks that spend their Summer and Fall in Canadian waters.This information will then be used to help guide responsible public safety efforts. 

Explore alongside us in real time @OCEARCH.

EXPEDITION STATS

24

DAYS AT SEA

24

RESEARCH PROJECTS

10

ANIMALS SAMPLED

42

COLLABORATING SCIENTISTS
COLLABORATIVE TEAM
Support Our Sharks

Help us fund 5 new SPOT Tags for Expedition Nova Scotia. Our goal is to sell 250 shark inspired hoodies to help us purchase the satellite tags that let us track animals on our Global Shark Tracker! We couldn’t do what we do without the support from you and our proud partners!

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EXPEDITION VIDEOS
EXPEDITION STEM ACTIVITIES
Explore and discover the Northwest Atlantic Ocean and the Nova Scotia area with OCEARCH as we go on expedition! Build Science, Technology, Engineering, and math skills (STEM) as you complete these free activities!

CORPORATE PARTNERS

FAQ

What is the North Atlantic White Shark Study

This project began in 2012 and has been called the “North Atlantic White Shark Study”. The purpose of this project is to solve the life history puzzle of the North Atlantic White Shark by gathering the appropriate data that would tell us where this population breeds, feeds and gives birth. The way to do this is by tagging at least 10 sharks of each sex in three categories: juvenile, immature, and mature.

What type of studies do you expect to run during this expedition?

This expedition is supporting 20 individual studies from 21 institutions around the continent. In addition to putting tracking devices on the animals, researchers will take a number of tissue, blood and other samples to learn even more about white white shark biology. These samples can be used to understand: the overall population health of white sharks in the Northwest Atlantic, reproductive health, and even what types of antibiotics can be used if a human is bitten.

What type of samples do you expect to collect during this expedition?

All male and female sharks caught will be sampled. The team will collect blood, mucus, parasites, muscle, fin clips, eye measurements, feces, urine, and semen, whenever possible. Ultrasound exams also will be performed on adult females to confirm
pregnancy.

Can you describe your process for tagging sharks?

Sharks are caught from tenders using handlines and are guided by hand in the water on and off the lift. After capture, sharks are brought to the submerged platform of the M/V OCEARCH vessel and the platform is raised. Once the sharks are restrained and hoses of water have been set to enable the flow of oxygen, they are measured. SPOT and acoustic tags are attached. The tagging, handling and sampling procedures employed during the expedition follow the standards of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC.org) of each institution, which is made up of scientists and veterinarians.

Will the sample collection impact the sharks health?

While the tagging method, which has been used on sharks and other species for over a half-century may cause some level of brief discomfort, there is no scientific evidence that it impacts their behavior or survival post-release. In fact, data from the Global Shark Tracker provides strong evidence that the animals tagged using this method show long-term survival and long-distance migrations indicative of normal function and reproductive cycles.

What does the data from the OCEARCH Tracker tell us about sharks?

The data allows us to see the range of shark movements in different parts of the world -their migration patterns – and helps us uncover the areas in need of protection. The tracking data allows studies such as the examination of fine and broad-scale movements, habitat use, site fidelity, residency, and feeding behavior of white sharks. The data we’ve enabled so far has allowed scientists to figure out the mating and breeding sites of the species on the west coast of Mexico – Guadalupe Island. Scientists have also documented the first migration of Great White Sharks to the gulf and the mid-Atlantic ridge.

What happens to the data you've collected?

The data is shared in an open source environment with collaborating institutions that utilize it to conduct studies that are eventually published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. The papers, which can take 2-5 years to publish, are used to assist in policy decisions. So far, there have been 55 papers published based on OCEARCH expeditions and resulting studies.

How can I follow the expedition?

Follow OCEARCH on​​ Facebook​,​ ​Twitter​, Instagram (@OCEARCH), and​ ​YouTube​ for ExpeditionExpedition Nova Scotia 2021 updates.You can also follow the sharks tagged during the “New Nova Scotia by accessing the near-real-time, free online ​OCEARCH Tracker​.

Who supports the expedition?

Costa Sunglasses, SeaWorld, YETI Coolers, Ulysse Nardin, Blundstone, Cisco Brewers, Jacksonville University, Contender, and individuals like you support the expedition through donations or making purchases in our online shop.

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