Canadian Shark ConservancyALL SHARKS

ATLANTIC CANADA / CANADA

White shark

Carcharodon carcharias

One of Canada's most recognized large sharks—and part of a wider North Atlantic population.

A male white shark swimming near Isla Guadalupe, Mexico.
Photo: Pterantula (Terry Goss) at en.wikipedia · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.5
A great white shark approaching underwater near Dyer Island.
Photo: Alban · CC BY-SA 3.0
A great white shark swimming toward the camera in clear blue water.
Photo: Elias Levy · CC BY 2.0
CONSERVATION STATUSEndangered (Atlantic population, COSEWIC 2021; SARA Schedule 1)
SIZEAdults can exceed 5 m
DIETFishes and marine mammals
01

Species overview

White sharks move through Canada's Atlantic waters, including areas around Nova Scotia, the Bay of Fundy, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

02

Habitat and range

Coastal and offshore Atlantic waters connected to seasonal prey movement

03

Diet

Fishes and marine mammals

04

Threats and pressures

Bycatch, Vessel interaction, Prey and habitat change

Knowledge replaces fear. Stewardship begins with understanding.

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