Inconspicuous, recovering, or northward shift: status and management of the white shark ( Carcharodon carcharias) in Atlantic Canada

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
• Main Authors: Bastien, G., Barkley, A., Chappus, J., Heath, V., Popov, S., Smith, R., Tran, T., Currier, S., Fernandez, D.C., Okpara, P., Owen, V., Franks, B., Hueter, R., Madigan, D.J., Fischer, C., McBride, B., Hussey, N.E.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 2020
• Subjects: Northwest Atlantic
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/cjfas-2020-0055; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/full-xml/10.1139/cjfas-2020-0055; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/cjfas-2020-0055

Although white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) have been considered rare in Atlantic Canada waters, recent sighting records indicate a potentially increasing presence. We combine historical to present sighting data with satellite telemetry tracks of large juvenile and adult white sharks tagged in US (n = 9) and Atlantic Canada waters (n = 17) to show seasonal white shark presence and distribution in Atlantic Canada, returns by individuals over multiple years, and high site fidelity to the region. Telemetry data indicate that white sharks are a more common and consistent occurrence in Canadian waters than previously thought, presenting two potential scenarios: (i) tagging technology is revealing white shark presence that was historically cryptic and (or) (ii) a northward range expansion of white sharks in the Northwest Atlantic, potentially due to climate change, population recovery, and (or) increasing pinniped prey. Given combined sighting and telemetry data indicate a current need for proactive management of white sharks in Atlantic Canada waters, we propose the basis for a management action plan, addressing conservation priorities, management goals, and research incentives while considering the potential for human–shark interactions.