MEDIA COMMUNICATION POLICY

The St. Lawrence Shark Observatory (ORS) does not normally participate in media interviews, whether live or recorded, by telephone, video or in person. As an independent, volunteer-run scientific organisation, we communicate primarily through press releases, written statements and background documents.

Exceptions may be considered when a subject is scientifically significant, genuinely new or urgent, and when our availability permits.

ORS does not comment on shark stories or incidents occurring outside Canada, matters unrelated to our research in the St. Lawrence, or traumatic incidents involving sharks.

Why we communicate in writing

This policy reflects more than twenty-five years of media experience, only part of which appears in our media portfolio.

The pace and format of media interviews do not always allow complex or evolving scientific information to be presented with its full context and nuance. Written communications allow ORS to provide complete, carefully reviewed information and give journalists a dated, verifiable source that can be consulted and quoted accurately.

This is particularly important when communicating about white sharks and public safety, where wording and context can significantly affect how risk is understood. Written communications also allow ORS to distinguish clearly between established scientific evidence, preliminary observations and areas of uncertainty.

ORS recognises the important role of the media and values the relationships developed with journalists who follow our work over time. Our written-first approach is intended to make reliable scientific information available consistently and equitably while reflecting the practical limits of a volunteer-run organisation.

Our mission and availability

ORS’s primary responsibilities are scientific research, conservation, education and public outreach. We do not have dedicated media-relations staff, and our availability must be balanced with these responsibilities.

A subject may be of legitimate public or media interest without representing a new or exceptional scientific development. ORS therefore assesses requests according to their scientific relevance, urgency and our availability, and determines which communication format is appropriate.

Submitting a media enquiry

When no existing publication adequately addresses a subject, journalists may submit specific questions in writing through our official contact page. ORS may respond when its workload permits. Submitting an enquiry does not guarantee a response or an interview.

Telephone calls, text messages and requests sent through the personal accounts or private communication platforms of ORS members are not official media enquiries and may not receive a response.

Film and documentary projects

ORS produces its own multimedia content, including films, and does not collaborate with external production companies during field expeditions. Access to these expeditions is reserved for researchers and essential team members.

When appropriate, ORS may provide existing footage or offer written scientific and factual assistance for projects that do not require field access, in-person participation or an on-camera interview. Such requests are assessed according to their relevance and our availability.