Editorial Note: The purpose of this communication is not to sound the alarm, but to provide factual and precautionary information regarding the seasonal return of the white shark to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, based on scientific observation rather than exaggeration, fear, or sensationalism. This release is issued voluntarily by the St. Lawrence Shark Observatory (ORS) in response to recurring public and media interest surrounding the first confirmed white shark observation of the year, as well as the broader increase in attention devoted to this species in Atlantic Canada. Any media coverage of this release, particularly headlines, should accurately reflect its informative and contextual nature, avoiding wording likely to generate unjustified fear, confusion, or sensationalism. This communication also seeks to provide a scientific counterbalance to misinformation, AI-generated hoaxes, speculative social media commentary, excessive generalisations by influencers, and the persistent distortions that too often accompany public discussions about sharks. Media outlets may quote in full the content of this release, including the personal remarks of the Scientific Director of the St. Lawrence Shark Observatory.

MEDIA CONTACT: No interviews will be granted regarding this release. The media may reproduce in full the content of this text as well as the personal commentary of the Scientific Director of the St. Lawrence Shark Observatory.

Drummondville, QC, June 30, 2026

As anticipated in its seasonal advisory issued on June 26, the St. Lawrence Shark Observatory (ORS) confirms the first documented white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence for the 2026 season.

The shark, an adult female named Bella, was first detected within the Gulf using an OCEARCH SPOT (Smart Position and Temperature) satellite tag¹ on June 29 at 10:18 p.m., off the eastern coast of Prince Edward Island. A second satellite transmission was recorded at 3:57 a.m. on June 30, approximately 2 km off Priest Pond, Prince Edward Island, confirming the shark’s continued presence within the Gulf.

Detection and context

As explained in the ORS seasonal advisory issued on June 26, a SPOT tag mounted on the dorsal fin only transmits when the fin breaks the surface long enough to establish a successful connection with an overhead Argos satellite.

Because successful transmissions require a precise combination of surfacing behaviour, satellite position, and sufficient time above water, many opportunities to transmit are missed. Consequently, the first satellite detection does not necessarily correspond to the shark’s arrival in the Gulf. Bella may have entered Gulf waters several days, or even longer, before the first successful transmission was recorded.

The fact that this first confirmed detection occurred only a few days after the ORS seasonal advisory reinforces the Observatory’s earlier assessment that white sharks were probably already present in the Gulf despite the absence of confirmed satellite detections at that time.

At this stage, Bella’s presence is entirely consistent with the species’ now well-established seasonal return to Atlantic Canadian waters and should not be interpreted as an unusual event. Like previous years, this first detection primarily serves as a reminder that white sharks are now regular seasonal visitors to the Gulf ecosystem, particularly in areas frequented by grey seals.

Scientific context and interpretation

The ORS wishes to emphasise that this observation was fully anticipated and should not be interpreted as evidence of an unexpected or sudden arrival of white sharks in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

As explained in the seasonal advisory published on June 26, increasing observations over the past decade likely reflect a combination of population recovery following legal protection measures, changes in prey distribution and abundance, environmental shifts, expanding scientific monitoring, and improved public reporting.

Historical records, archaeological discoveries, fisheries accounts, Indigenous oral history, and recent scientific research all indicate that the white shark has likely occurred in the Gulf for centuries, although often in low numbers and largely unnoticed by the public.

Public awareness and responsible conduct

Although the statistical risk of a shark-related incident in Canada remains low to very low under most circumstances, the ORS continues to encourage prudent and informed behaviour among divers, swimmers, paddlers, surfers, and other marine users, particularly in areas with significant seal concentrations.
As previously stated in ORS advisories, avoiding large gatherings of seals, avoiding murky water, remaining attentive to unusual animal behaviour, and staying informed about verified shark sightings can help reduce risk considerably.

The ORS also reminds the public that the white shark is protected under Canada’s Species at Risk Act (SARA). It is therefore prohibited to harass, pursue, bait, intentionally approach, or otherwise disturb the species. This includes reckless behaviour by boaters, drone operators, divers, photographers, or thrill-seekers attempting to obtain dramatic footage for social media or commercial purposes.

To help the public better understand shark–human interactions and the recommended safety practices for swimming, diving, surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and other water activities, the ORS also provides a detailed public guide: Understanding Shark Interactions in Canada.

Commentary

Learn more

Readers wishing to better understand white sharks and their interactions with humans are encouraged to consult the newly updated Canadian Shark Attack Registry (CSAR), particularly its companion publication, Understanding Shark Interactions in Canada.

Drawing upon historical records, behavioural ecology, contemporary scientific research, evidence-based incident assessments, and practical safety guidance, this comprehensive resource examines why shark interactions occur, how risk can be evaluated, and what measures swimmers, surfers, paddleboarders, divers, boaters, and other marine users can take to reduce the likelihood of negative encounters while enjoying Canadian waters safely and responsibly.

By promoting knowledge, respect, and coexistence rather than fear and sensationalism, this publication reflects the same evidence-based approach that guides the work of the St. Lawrence Shark Observatory.

No interviews on this topic

Please note that the ORS will not be granting interviews regarding this sighting.

As previously stated in earlier advisories and releases, the organisation no longer participates in live media interviews concerning white sharks due to the repeated misinterpretation, sensationalism, and distortion that frequently accompany shark-related coverage. Instead, the ORS will continue to communicate through written statements, scientific publications, background documents, and official press releases intended to ensure clarity, precision, and factual accuracy.

Given the sensitive nature of public safety issues involving large marine predators, verbal interviews and improvised commentary also create significant risks of statements being oversimplified, quoted out of context, or interpreted in ways that do not accurately reflect the position of ORS. Beyond contributing to misinformation and unnecessary sensationalism, such distortions may also carry potential legal and ethical implications in matters relating to public safety. Written communications therefore remain the only format through which ORS is prepared to address this subject publicly.

ORS will continue monitoring developments and will share additional factual updates if warranted.

Jeffrey Hay Gallant, M. Sc.
Founder and Scientific Director
St. Lawrence Shark Observatory

About the Observatory

The St. Lawrence Shark Observatory (ORS), officially founded in 2003 under the name Greenland Shark and Elasmobranch Education and Research Group (GEERG), is Canada’s first independent research organisation and registered charity dedicated to sharks. Entirely volunteer-run, ORS is devoted to the study, awareness, and conservation of sharks inhabiting the Gulf and Estuary of the St. Lawrence. In 2025, the organisation proudly commemorated 25 years since its first field expedition, marking a quarter century of commitment to shark research and conservation in the St. Lawrence and Atlantic Canada. Over the course of its history, ORS has achieved several shark-related firsts in Canada, and even internationally, particularly through its pioneering work on the Greenland shark. In 2022, ORS also founded the Canadian Shark Attack Registry, the first initiative of its kind in Canada dedicated to documenting interactions between sharks and humans in Canadian waters.

Through innovative, non-invasive research integrating field science and historical archives, ORS seeks to build a broader understanding of sharks, both past and present, while promoting rigorous, science-based information free from sensationalism and misinformation. In addition to its research and conservation work, the organisation is actively involved in public education and outreach, particularly among young people, whom it considers the future custodians of sharks and the oceans.

For more information about the history, mission, research, and team of the the St. Lawrence Shark Observatory (ORS), please visit the organisation’s About page.

(1) Public telemetry data available through the OCEARCH Shark Tracker: https://www.ocearch.org/tracker