Elias Levy / CC
As summer approaches and Nova Scotians prepare to hit the beaches, a local shark research group is encouraging the public to be “shark smart”—not scared.
Dr. Neil Hammerschlag, marine biologist and founder of Atlantic Shark Expeditions, says that while white shark sightings are increasing in Atlantic Canada, the risk of a shark bite remains extremely low.
“Fortunately for us, for humans, we’re just not on the menu of sharks,” says Dr. Hammerschlag. “But they are in the water, and people should be aware of that.”
The organization recently released a set of practical safety tips for ocean users. These include:
- Avoid swimming near seals or areas with high fish activity.
- Stay away from places where people are actively fishing.
- Don’t swim during low-light hours like dawn, dusk, or nighttime.
- Remove reflective jewelry that could mimic fish scales.
- Never swim alone.
- Trust your instincts—if something feels off, get out of the water.
Dr. Hammerschlag also addressed common myths, including concerns about swimming with cuts or during menstruation. He says those fears are largely unfounded.
“Human blood isn’t what sharks are looking for,” he explains. “They’re attracted to the chemical signals from their natural prey, like fish or seals.”
The group also highlighted that dogs, while still at low risk, may be slightly more vulnerable due to their erratic swimming patterns and seal-like appearance.
Beyond safety, Dr. Hammerschlag emphasized the ecological importance of sharks. His research has shown that when shark populations decline, ocean ecosystems can become unbalanced.
“White sharks play a critical role in maintaining healthy marine environments,” he says. “And ironically, they have more to fear from us than we do from them.”
Atlantic Shark Expeditions offers cage diving tours that allow the public to safely observe sharks while contributing to ongoing research.
“We want people to enjoy the ocean,” says Dr. Hammerschlag. “Just be smart about it. A little knowledge goes a long way.”
