Station 14 · Advisory

Facts, not fear.

Sharks live in the North Atlantic, and several species occur in Atlantic Canadian waters. A few regularly use or pass through the Bay of Fundy. Encounters with people are extremely uncommon, but sharks are wild predators and should always be given space.

Which sharks might you see?

Porbeagle sharks are common in the Bay of Fundy. They are powerful, cold-water relatives of the mako and great white sharks, and can grow well beyond 2.5 metres. They feed mainly on fish and squid and are usually encountered away from busy swimming areas.

Blue sharks are widespread in Atlantic Canada and occur in the Bay of Fundy, particularly during the warmer months. Slender and deep blue above, they feed mainly on fish and squid and spend much of their time offshore.

Basking sharks are enormous filter-feeders that occur in the Bay of Fundy and can sometimes be seen near the surface in spring and summer. They feed on plankton and are generally harmless to people, but their size alone is a good reason to keep your distance.

White sharks are rare visitors to Atlantic Canadian waters but have been recorded in the Bay of Fundy. They are protected under Canada's Species at Risk Act. If you see one, give it plenty of space and report the sighting to Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

General safety tips

Swim at monitored beaches when possible and follow local warnings or closures.
Avoid swimming near active fishing activity, bait, discarded fish, or large concentrations of schooling fish.
Avoid swimming alone, especially in low visibility or when fishing activity is nearby.
Do not enter the water if a shark has been repeatedly sighted close to shore.
Never approach, touch, feed, or attempt to photograph a shark at close range.
Leave stranded or injured marine animals alone.
If you see a shark, keep a safe distance and report the sighting to Fisheries and Oceans Canada when appropriate.

The message in one line

Sharks are a natural part of Fundy's ecosystem. Encounters with people are uncommon. Give them space, stay calm, and follow local safety advice.

Advisory

What to do if you see a shark in the water.

Stay calm

Avoid sudden splashing or frantic movements.

Keep it in sight

If possible, keep the shark in view while calmly moving toward shore, a boat, or another safe exit.

Give it room

Do not chase it, approach it, corner it, or try to get a closer photograph.

Leave the water

If a shark is nearby and remains in the area, get out of the water and stay out until it has moved away and local authorities or lifeguards say it is safe.

Report the sighting

Fisheries and Oceans Canada encourages people to report shark sightings, especially white shark sightings. Include the location, time, approximate size, photographs or video if safely obtained, and any identifying features. Do not put yourself at risk to get a photograph.

Myth vs Fact

Setting the record straight.

MYTH: Sharks in Fundy are hunting people.

FACT: Sharks naturally hunt fish, squid, marine mammals, or plankton depending on the species. People are not their normal prey, and encounters with swimmers are extremely uncommon.

MYTH: All sharks are dangerous.

FACT: There are more than 500 shark species worldwide, with very different sizes, diets, and behaviours. Most species are not considered dangerous to people.

MYTH: If you see a shark, you should panic and splash your way to shore.

FACT: Stay calm, avoid sudden movements, keep the shark in sight if possible, and move steadily toward a safe exit. Do not approach or chase it.

MYTH: You should punch a shark in the nose.

FACT: The best defence is avoiding the encounter and leaving the water. If a shark makes physical contact and you cannot escape, defend yourself forcefully against the animal and try to create an opportunity to get away. Do not deliberately approach a shark to try to strike it.

MYTH: Sharks come closer to shore because there are people there.

FACT: Sharks follow food and environmental conditions, not people. Fish concentrations, seals, water temperature, currents, and other factors can influence where sharks occur.

Official shark sighting information

Report a sighting to Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

DFO collects shark sighting reports from across Atlantic Canada — especially white shark sightings. Report the location, time, approximate size, and any photographs or video you obtained safely.

DFO shark information Call 1-844-400-7870