
Our Founder, Dr. Neil Hammerschlag
Dr. Neil Hammerschlag is a world-renowned marine ecologist and shark researcher, now based out of Nova Scotia, Canada. He is President of Atlantic Shark Expeditions and Executive Director of the newly formed Shark Research Foundation, a not-for-profit organization focused on increasing scientific knowledge, improving public perceptions, and promoting the conservation of sharks through research and education. Neil is also an investigator with the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network and a courtesy faculty member at Oregon State University.
Our Boat & Cage
Our vessel is specially customized to support shark cage diving and scientific research. The boat is approximately 40 ft long and 13.5 ft wide, accommodating up to a maximum of 12 guests. Our boat also offers a unique raised viewing platform for view the sharks from above the water. A custom-built crane lifts our shark cage in and out of the water. Our shark cage is also a custom-build, measuring about 8 ft tall, 8 ft wide, and 4 ft deep. Designed to hold a maximum of 4 people at once, the cage sits at the surface with its top extending 1.5 ft out of the water.

Our Conservation Commitment
Sharks face numerous threats, including overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change. ASE is committed to supporting shark research and conservation initiatives aimed at safeguarding these vital apex predators. Our expeditions are designed to shift negative perceptions of sharks and promote awareness of their importance in marine ecosystems. Moreover, each expedition supports vital shark research conducted by onboard marine biologists. Learn more about how we support shark science through our non-profit partner theย Shark Research Foundation.
Research Initiatives
The sharks of Nova Scotia
Great White Shark
โข Scientific name: Carcharodon carcharias
โข Size at birth: 3.5 ft
โข Maximum size: 20 ft
โข Age at maturity: males: 26 years; females: 33 years
โข Gestation period: more than a year
โข Litter size: 2-10 pups
โข Maximum age: 78 years
โข Diet: Mostly seals, sea lions, elephant seals, dolphins, and fishes including other sharks and rays
โข Depth surface to 4265 ft
โข Speed: burst swimming speeds of up to 25 mph
โข Conservation Status in Canada: Endangered
Shortfin Mako Shark
โข Scientific name: Isurus oxyrinchus
โข Size at birth: 2 ft
โข Maximum size: 13 ft
โข Age at maturity: males: 8-9 years, females: 18+
โข Gestation period: 15-18 months
โข Litter size: 4-25 pups
โข Diet: Mostly, swordfish, tuna, sharks, and squid
โข Depth surface to 1640 ft
โข Speed: burst swimming speeds of up to 43 mph
โข Global Threat Status: Near Threatened
โข Conservation Status in Canada: Endangered
Blue Shark
โข Scientific name: Prionace glauca
โข Size at birth: 1 ft
โข Maximum size: 13 ft
โข Age at maturity: males: 4-6 years, females: 5-7 years
โข Gestation period: 9-12 months
โข Litter size: usually 30 pups, but up to 80 pups
โข Diet: Fishes, including herring, sardines, squid, cuttlefish pelagic octopi
โข Depth surface to 1,148 ft
โข Speed: burst swimming speeds of up to 43 mph
โข Conservation Status in Canada: Not At Risk
Join Us in Our Mission
Whether you’re an ocean enthusiast, a conservation advocate, or simply curious about sharks, we invite you to join us on an expedition. Together, we can make a positive impact on the future of sharks and marine ecosystems.