At a newly established research facility situated on an island off the South Shore of Nova Scotia, scientists are conducting studies to enhance the understanding of white sharks in the region. Operating from the Tancook Islands Marine Field Station on Big Tancook Island, a group of twelve graduate and undergraduate students, under the guidance of Nigel Hussey, a professor of integrative biology at the University of Windsor in Ontario, are employing various tracking technologies to monitor the movement of white sharks. In the previous year, during their inaugural year of operation, they successfully tagged 16 white sharks off the coast of Nova Scotia, and the tagging expedition for 2026 is set to commence this weekend.
The field station has introduced its own tracking system, allowing the public to monitor the sharks tagged in 2025, as well as any sharks tagged in the upcoming 2026 expedition. However, the station’s founder expressed challenges due to the complexities of Canada’s permitting system for interacting with these animals.
Hussey emphasized the necessity to swiftly establish the required organizations, as the current infrastructure is not adequately equipped to handle white sharks in Atlantic Canada. The inception of the Tancook Islands Marine Field Station was inspired by Hussey’s participation in a tagging expedition by Ocearch in Atlantic Canada in 2018, where the presence of white sharks was unexpectedly abundant, contrary to initial beliefs.
The primary goal of the research station is to unravel mysteries such as migration corridors, congregation areas, population size, and ecological impact of white sharks in the region. Through the utilization of diverse tagging methods, including satellite tags, the field station aims to shed light on white shark movements. With the implementation of new satellite technology, Hussey anticipates providing a preliminary assessment of white shark hot spots in Atlantic Canada by the end of the summer.
Despite the significant progress being made, Hussey highlighted the challenges posed by the permitting system, primarily due to the endangered status of white sharks at the federal level. Obtaining an annual permit from Fisheries and Oceans Canada is essential for scientists to engage in research activities involving these animals. The current permit application process, which can take up to 90 days for a decision, presents logistical difficulties for researchers like Hussey.
Furthermore, the existing permit restrictions, encompassing various activities from commercial cage diving to scientific research, are deemed inadequate by Hussey, as they do not cater effectively to the different needs of these activities. The limitations within the permits hinder the establishment of a comprehensive, long-term monitoring program crucial for understanding white sharks in Atlantic Canada.
Christine Lyons from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans highlighted that permit applications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, with decisions typically finalized within 90 days. The department employs clear and consistent criteria based on the best available information to guide permitted white shark research activities in a precautionary manner.
Upon receiving the necessary permits, the field station aims not only to foster the growth of future scientists but also to benefit the local community. David Baker, a long-time lobster fisherman and resident of Tancook, has been instrumental in assisting the research team with deploying acoustic receivers along the coast. Baker expressed gratitude for the presence of the field station, emphasizing its positive impact on the community and the local wharf.
Plans are underway to expand the field station by establishing an educational center to educate the public about sharks. Hussey envisions this initiative playing a pivotal role in the island’s future development by fostering community engagement and potentially supporting economic growth.
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