California White Shark Project

California White Shark Project We are dedicated scientists researching the population of white sharks off the coast of California.

The California White Shark Project researches the population of white sharks off the central coast of California for the purpose of informing policy, regulation, local stakeholders, and scientific discovery. After our institutional​ funding was cut as a result of COVID-19 Dr. Paul Kanvie and Scot Anderson created this 501 (c)(3) nonprofit to continue researching these vital marine predators.

05/29/2026

During our research season, in the fall and winter months, we see an incredible amount of wildlife in addition to white sharks. Sometimes, we see these Fried Egg Jellyfish (Phacellophora camtschatica).

They are mesmerizing to see float through the water and primarily feed on other (smaller) jelly fish.

05/22/2026

Part of the reason we became a nonprofit (aside from losing institutional funding) was our desire to share with the public—you—what we do, how we do it, and why it matters. We have worked incredibly hard to “master the art” of researching white sharks, a science that can demand 14‑hour days and rough waters. There are always more questions to explore, but we have full confidence in our methods and our mission.

The support from the public has been instrumental. Your donations and local grants keep our work alive, and we are deeply grateful for your generosity.

05/13/2026

This video features a large male white shark nicknamed Leno, whom we’ve documented multiple times over the years.

Long-term documentation of individual sharks provides valuable population metrics, including growth and survival rates. This research is critical for helping us monitor the status of the white shark population that seasonally aggregates along the Central and Northern California coastline.

If you’re interested in supporting our work, we are a nonprofit organization funded through donations and small grants. All donations are tax-deductible. Please visit our website or check the link in our bio for more information..

These data were collected under permit MULTI-2023-002-A1.

Recently, we were hosted by .library in Point Reyes for a free educational talk about white sharks! A very engaged group...
05/10/2026

Recently, we were hosted by .library in Point Reyes for a free educational talk about white sharks! A very engaged group of kids came and asked a LOT of amazing questions. This talk was a great way for local home schooled students to participate in one of our school talks!

We look forward to doing more of these in the future🦈

Different shark species have distinct caudal (tail) fin shapes, and some—like the thresher’s dramatic whip‑like tail—sta...
05/07/2026

Different shark species have distinct caudal (tail) fin shapes, and some—like the thresher’s dramatic whip‑like tail—stand out more than others.

White sharks, like the one shown here, have a crescent‑shaped tail with two nearly equal lobes.

This lunate design is built for efficient power and sustained speed, letting the shark accelerate quickly and cruise with minimal drag.

These data were collected under permit MULTI-2023-002-A1.

05/02/2026

This clip captures a predation event from a few seasons ago. We typically observe several throughout each field season, and it’s always remarkable to witness these predators in their natural state.

Preying on pinnipeds allows white sharks to build the energy reserves stored in their liver, which can make up as much as one-third of their body weight and supports their offshore migrations.

As we often share during our school presentations—everyone has to eat: sharks, seals, and fish alike.

These data were collected under permit MULTI-2023-002-A1.

We love bringing our “life-size” white shark into classrooms and seeing the curiosity and awe it inspires 🦈Most recently...
04/29/2026

We love bringing our “life-size” white shark into classrooms and seeing the curiosity and awe it inspires 🦈

Most recently, we visited Meadow and Corona Elementary Schools in Petaluma—and this Thursday, we’ll be at the Point Reyes Library for a free, kid-friendly educational program!

Next Thursday, we’ll be at the Point Reyes Library! This free event for kids will feature an engaging, educational prese...
04/24/2026

Next Thursday, we’ll be at the Point Reyes Library! This free event for kids will feature an engaging, educational presentation from one of our team members.

It’s a great opportunity for local homeschool students to take part in one of our classroom—this time, library—visits!

Are white sharks at risk of overheating as oceans warm?A new study led by researchers at Trinity College Dublin, in coll...
04/18/2026

Are white sharks at risk of overheating as oceans warm?

A new study led by researchers at Trinity College Dublin, in collaboration with the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Veterinary Science, shows that warm‑bodied fish such as tunas, white sharks, and Ireland’s basking sharks expend nearly four times more energy than cold‑blooded species.

This elevated energy use makes them increasingly vulnerable to overheating in a warming ocean, potentially reducing suitable habitat and driving these species toward cooler waters near the poles.

This is a fascinating paper and we highly recommend you check it out!

📷: (thanks Chris for the awesome ‘torpedo’ pic!)

Citation:
Nicholas L. Payne, Mesothermic fishes face high fuel demands and overheating risk in warming oceans, Science (2026). DOI: 10.1126/science.adt2981. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adt2981

04/16/2026

We are eagerly anticipating our 2026 field season but are very much enjoying visiting local classrooms and working on our scientific publications🦈

Address

Inverness, CA
94937

Website

https://www.californiawhitesharkproject.org/donate

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