A marine ecologist from Nova Scotia, Dr. Neil Hammerschlag, argues that great white sharks are receiving an unfairly negative reputation as their presence in Atlantic Canadian waters increases. He highlights that multiple studies have reported a rise in sightings and tracking data showing more great white sharks venturing into these waters.
Hammerschlag, who owns Atlantic Shark Expeditions and serves as the executive director of the Shark Research Foundation, suggest that rising water temperatures could be contributing to this trend. Warmer temperatures may be making new habitats available for sharks, alongside an increase in their primary food source—seals—in Atlantic Canada.
Though it's still early in the season for great white sharks to arrive in Canadian waters, Hammerschlag recalls past sightings during the same period last year along the south shore. He details that these sharks can be found across various regions of Nova Scotia, including the Atlantic-facing shoreline, Cape Breton, the Northumberland Strait, and even the Bay of Fundy.
Hammerschlag perceives the increase of great white sharks as a beneficial development for local ecosystems, helping to maintain a balance among species such as seals. While the Canadian white shark population, classified as endangered, still has not reached large numbers, it shows signs of recovery.
“Unfortunately, sharks have a really bad reputation, and it’s kind of unfair,” Hammerschlag noted. He argues that the perception of sharks as mindless killers is misleading, asserting that these creatures are intelligent, curious, strategic, and often thoughtful. According to him, humans are not natural prey for sharks, meaning there is no reason to let a fear of sharks deter people from swimming in the ocean.
Hammerschlag also refutes the myth that even a small amount of blood in the water can provoke a frenzy among sharks, stating that sharks are not attracted to human blood in the same way they are drawn to fish blood.
Ways to Stay Safe
Despite the relatively low risk posed by sharks, Hammerschlag advises taking specific precautions to minimize the chance of an encounter while swimming. He cautions against swimming or surfing in areas known for high seal populations, which could indicate that sharks may be hunting nearby.
Additionally, he recommends avoiding confirmed shark sighting areas and staying clear of zones where fishing is taking place, as struggling fish can act like a “ringing dinner bell” to sharks. Wearing shiny jewelry in the water may also be risky, as it could be mistaken for fish scales.
Swimming at dawn or dusk is also discouraged, as low light conditions can confuse sharks regarding whether a swimmer is potential prey. Hammerschlag explains that sharks use their teeth as sensory tools to explore unfamiliar objects, which can lead to more curiosity—and potentially risk—during such times.
In conclusion, Hammerschlag emphasizes the importance of trusting one’s instincts when entering the water. Notably, he mentioned that many individuals who have encountered shark attacks reported feeling uneasy or having a gut instinct to exit the water prior to the incident.
Hammerschlag utilizes his Atlantic Shark Expeditions to educate the public about sharks and to counter misconceptions. The expeditions are designed for individuals aged 10 and older and include boat tours to observe sharks as well as cage diving with them safely. These journeys contribute to ongoing scientific research and typically depart from Sambro in the summer months and near Yarmouth in the fall.
