About

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

Research Initiatives

Our expeditions contribute to ongoing research efforts led by Dr. Neil Hammerschlag and the Shark Research Foundation focused on increasing scientific knowledge of shark populations in Atlantic Canadian waters. Through photo identification, monitoring abundance trends, and evaluating various aspects of shark biology, our expeditions contribute to efforts to advance our understanding of sharks and inform conservation strategies.

The sharks of Nova Scotia

Great White Shark

• Scientific name: Carcharodon carcharias
• Size at birth: 3.5 ft
• Maximum size: 20 ft
• Age at maturity: males: 26 years; females: 33 years
• Gestation period: more than a year
• Litter size: 2-10 pups
• Maximum age: 78 years
• Diet: Mostly seals, sea lions, elephant seals, dolphins, and fishes including other sharks and rays
• Depth surface to 4265 ft
• Speed: burst swimming speeds of up to 25 mph
• Conservation Status in Canada: Endangered

Shortfin Mako Shark

• Scientific name: Isurus oxyrinchus
• Size at birth: 2 ft
• Maximum size: 13 ft
• Age at maturity: males: 8-9 years, females: 18+
• Gestation period: 15-18 months
• Litter size: 4-25 pups
• Diet: Mostly, swordfish, tuna, sharks, and squid
• Depth surface to 1640 ft
• Speed: burst swimming speeds of up to 43 mph
• Global Threat Status: Near Threatened
• Conservation Status in Canada: Endangered

Blue Shark

• Scientific name: Prionace glauca
• Size at birth: 1 ft
• Maximum size: 13 ft
• Age at maturity: males: 4-6 years, females: 5-7 years
• Gestation period: 9-12 months
• Litter size: usually 30 pups, but up to 80 pups
• Diet: Fishes, including herring, sardines, squid, cuttlefish pelagic octopi
• Depth surface to 1,148 ft
• Speed: burst swimming speeds of up to 43 mph
• 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.