Atlantic White Shark Conservancy
awareness inspires conservation
Atlantic White Shark Conservancy
awareness inspires conservation
“The wild places are where we began. When they end, so do we.” - David Brower
Conservation of white sharks is a key factor in the ocean legacy we leave to future generations. The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC) was established to support white shark research and education programs to ensure that this important species thrives.
Above photo: Terry Goss
OUR MISSION
Support scientific research, improve public safety, and educate the community, to inspire conservation of Atlantic white sharks.
OUR VISION
Increase knowledge of Atlantic white sharks and change public perception to conserve the species and ensure biologically diverse marine ecosystems.
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About Us
We are raising awareness about white sharks as a keystone species of the ocean ecosystem.
About Us
We are raising awareness about white sharks as a keystone species of the ocean ecosystem.
Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC) supports scientific research, educates the community, and improves public safety. AWSC is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Research
The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries' Massachusetts Shark Research Program (MSRP), led by Dr. Greg Skomal, relies on outside funding to conduct research. AWSC is the only nonprofit working directly with MSRP to financially support current and long term white shark research projects.
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Research Programs >>
Education
Our goal is to connect a future generation to sharks through hands-on learning opportunities; inspiring the conservation of keystone species in our ocean’s ecosystem.
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Education Programs >>
Public Safety
AWSC, the national seashore, the towns of Cape Cod and the Islands, and the Massachusetts Shark Research Program, have worked together to produce shark advisory signs for beaches, and brochures that provide education and safety tips for beach users.
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Safety Tips >>
Follow AWSC and the scientists in the field!
AWSC is inspiring shark and ocean advocates!
Why Sharks Matter
Our ocean’s ecosystem is all connected...from the tiniest zooplankton to the largest apex predator.
Why Sharks Matter
Our ocean’s ecosystem is all connected...from the tiniest zooplankton to the largest apex predator.
Our ocean’s ecosystem is all connected...from the tiniest zooplankton to the largest apex predator. White sharks are an asset to our marine environment. As apex predators they play a critical role in maintaining the health of our ocean’s ecosystem. As white shark and other shark species disappear, predator-prey balance becomes disrupted, compromising the health of the world's oceans and negatively impacting other marine species.
As the majority of the oxygen humans breathe comes from the oceans, our own health becomes imperiled when our oceans are unhealthy. Their presence along the coast of Cape Cod indicates the restoration of a healthy ecosystem. Removal of a top-level predator can cause a ‘top down’ effect on organisms lower in the food webs. If this happens, the ocean ecology changes and all species will be impacted.
Learn more about Why Sharks Matter >>
Learn more about White Sharks >>