Atlantic White Shark Conservancy to Open New Shark Center in Provincetown
The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy has entered into a lease agreement to open a Shark Center on historic MacMillan Wharf in Provincetown.
In addition to leasing the ground floor of 16 MacMillan Wharf, former home of the Whydah Pirate Museum, the non-profit has leased a slip at the property’s marina and will operate its 25' vessel for shark ecotourism trips from the location. The Conservancy's team will also utilize the new slip for research trips.
“We are thrilled to be opening a second Shark Center to be located in Provincetown and to be connecting with the local community,” said Cynthia Wigren, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, Atlantic White Shark Conservancy. “Provincetown is a perfect location to engage with visitors from all over the world to further our mission to support scientific research, improve public safety, and to educate the community to inspire conservation of Atlantic white sharks.”
The new Shark Center will offer visitors an in-depth look at great white sharks through interactive exhibits, videos and displays, as well as provide insight into groundbreaking local research. The Conservancy will also continue to operate a Shark Center in Chatham, which welcomes thousands of visitors annually.
Ecotourism, along with a merchandise shop, will be operating this summer in Provincetown. Information on booking a private shark viewing charter can be found on the Conservancy's website.
Exhibits at the new Shark Center are expected to open in Summer 2022, following an extensive build-out and renovation of the 3,100-square-foot space.
Local and state government officials applauded the Conservancy’s plan to locate its second Shark Center in Provincetown.
“The opening of a Provincetown Shark Center by the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy is such great news,” said State Representative Sarah Peake, D-Provincetown. “Provincetown is already known as an ecotourism destination. The Shark Center will be an excellent addition. The important research work conducted by the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy will complement the already existing coastal and marine ecosystems research being done by the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies and the Cape Cod National Seashore. Having the Shark Conservancy located here is a win for everyone.”
"We are very excited to welcome the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy to Provincetown,” said Provincetown Town Manager Alex Morse. “Their plans to open a Shark Center in town, along with their plans to launch ecotourism and research trips, fits right into our goal to expand ecotourism opportunities and further promote the blue economy. I thank them for their investment, and we expect that residents and visitors alike will enjoy this new experience."