OUR MISSION
Support scientific research, improve public safety, and educate the community to inspire white shark conservation.
WHY WHITE SHARKS?
White sharks are apex predators that play a critical role in maintaining a healthy and balanced marine ecosystem. They are also considered a keystone species, meaning they are integral to the ecology they inhabit.
The power of your support
Our mission relies on the generous support of individuals, private foundations, and corporate sponsors.
Revenue from our Shark Center admission, merchandise sales, license plates, and events, also advances effective public safety initiatives, groundbreaking scientific research, and education programs.
The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy provides the most comprehensive publicly available information on white sharks in the Northwest Atlantic.
White Shark SIGHTINGS
White Shark Detections
White Shark CATALOG
VISIT US
The AWSC Shark Centers in Chatham and Provincetown offer an in-depth look at one of the ocean's most magnificent and misunderstood species: the Great White Shark! Through interactive exhibits, videos, and displays, our family-oriented centers offer an insider’s view into the groundbreaking research and one of Cape Cod's most captivating summer residents.
HOW WE CARRY OUT OUR MISSION
PUblic Safety
The increase in local abundance of white sharks is a conservation success story, yet the public safety concern posed by a growing number of white sharks off our coast is undeniable. We actively work with the MA Division of Marine Fisheries to provide the Cape Cod National Seashore and the towns of Cape Cod, the Islands, and the South Shore with up-to-date scientific data that can be used to enhance public safety. Image by Suzy Blake
Research
The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy is the region’s leading white shark research non-profit organization. Since 2013, we have been the largest funder of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries' studies, led by state marine biologist Dr. Greg Skomal, to get a more accurate picture of shark movements as well as how many sharks take up seasonal residency in the waters off Cape Cod. In 2019, a new wave of research to better understand shark behavior began.
Education
While sharks are awesome, they are also misunderstood. Many equate shark behavior with what has been shown in the infamous “JAWS” movie or with sensational stories presented in the media. AWSC’s mission to provide education to school-aged children and the public at large focuses on science-based information, debunking myths about white sharks and incorporating in a holistic understanding of marine ecosystems.
GET INVOLVED
Shop our Merchandise
From hoodies to hats, you can show your support of our work while also sporting some of our custom-designed gear. All proceeds from both our in store and online shop go directly towards our mission to fund research, education, public safety and conservation initiatives.
Get our License Plate
Drive with pride by purchasing the AWSC Massachusetts license plate, custom designed by acclaimed marine-life artist Paul McPhee. $28 of the payments is made towards your plate is tax deductible and will go directly to AWSC. The full $40 cost of renewal will also be donated to us!
ATTEND AN EVENT
Throughout the year the AWSC hosts educational lectures with information on the latest research, fun social events, and exciting expeditions! By attending a lecture, an event, or heading out on the water with us, you are helping to further our mission. We welcome you to join us!
WHY NOW?
“After the death of Arthur Medici from a shark bite, we felt an urgent need to continue our support for the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy. We all know that sharks are “badass,” but the growing presence of whites sharks in our waters is changing our community, our economy, and our beaches in ways that are still unknown. Those of us who choose to live on Cape Cod are, almost by definition, ocean lovers; it’s not an easy pill to swallow to think that we may not be able to safely swim, surf, and enjoy our ocean waters as in the past. Meanwhile, the Conservancy moves forward, continuing to research and arm our community with the knowledge, tools, and expert connections that we need to move forward and create processes and procedures for safer ocean dwelling.”
Snowy Owl Coffee Roasters
Brewster, MA
Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC) supports scientific research, educates the community, and improves public safety. AWSC is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.