On Cape Cod, the summer spotlight isn’t just on lobster rolls and sandy beaches, it’s also on the ocean’s most talked-about seasonal visitors: great white sharks.
And no one knows them better than the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, a Chatham-based nonprofit working to keep both sharks and people safe.
Since 2012, the group has teamed up with scientists and local officials to study the growing white shark population along the Cape. Through tagging missions and high-tech tracking, they’ve built impressive, detailed shark movement databases. Its free Sharktivity app delivers real-time alerts on shark sightings and detections, giving people the information they need before they hit the water.
The conservancy’s Shark Center in Chatham has become a go-to stop for locals and tourists.
Inside, visitors can see shark tracking maps light up with recent detections, watch videos from tagging expeditions and even learn how researchers get up close with one of the ocean’s top predators.
For kids, it’s part science lab, part adventure story, designed to turn fear into fascination.
AWSC isn’t just about science; it’s also about community. A custom Massachusetts “Save Our Sharks” license plate, summer events and a steady stream of merchandise sales help fund the work.
Volunteers and interns play a hands-on role in outreach, from explaining shark behavior to tourists on rainy days to leading safety talks at local schools.
Whether you’re a Cape Codder, a day-tripper or just a fan of marine life, the Conservancy makes it easy to dive in. Guests can stop by the Shark Center, download the app or support their research.
Information about ticket prices, hours of operation and programming can be found on the Shark Center’s website.
The center is located at 235 Orleans Road. For further information, call 508-348-5901 or email sharkcenter@atlanticwhiteshark.org.
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