Quantifying shark behavior and habitat along Cape Cod National Seashore to develop safety recommendations and outreach materials

Project Description: This project will develop a site-specific, adaptive probability index for white shark (WS) within Cape Cod National Seashore (CCNS). This study will further the understanding of white shark behavior to easily communicate information to improve visitor experience and safety, enhance lifeguard effectiveness, and improve park staff’s knowledge.

This study will directly measure: 1) WS residency, site fidelity and habitat use along individual beaches 2) The presence and behavior of seals 3) Oceanographic and atmospheric conditions 4) Bathymetric and habitat maps via acoustic surveys 5) Provide an index and guidelines for daily conditions and probability of WS presence.

Lead Principal Investigator: Mr. Bryan Legare, Center for Coastal Studies

Partner Institution: Center for Coastal Studies

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Federal Agency Technical Contact: Geoffrey Sanders

Project Type: Research

Project Discipline: Natural Resources

Project Sub-Discipline(s): Biological (Ecology, Fish, Wildlife, Vegetation, T&E)

Start Year: 2021

End Year: 2025

Initial Funding Amount: $189,538.00

Federal Grant Number: P21AC10859

Amendments

  • Amendment Number: 01, Year: 2022, Amount: $114,813.00
  • Amendment Number: 02, Year: 2023, Amount: $85,305.00
  • Amendment Number: , Year: , Amount: $

Location: Cape Cod National Seashore

National Park or Protected Area: Cape Cod (NPS)

State(s): Massachusetts