California White Shark Project

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

06/15/2026

Sometimes we capture more than white sharks on our underwater video. Here is a clip of several Common Murres diving. These seabirds usually dive to average depths of 160 to 230 ft. However, they have been recorded diving to depths of nearly 600 ft!

06/09/2026

Today is World Oceans Day! 🌊

Our oceans cover more than 70% of the planet, produce much of the oxygen we breathe, regulate our climate, and provide habitat for an incredible diversity of life. From the smallest plankton to apex predators like white sharks, every species plays a role in maintaining the health of these complex ecosystems.

At the California White Shark Project, our work focuses on understanding and studying one of the ocean’s most iconic predators. Through long-term research, we help monitor the health of white shark populations along California’s coast and contribute valuable information that supports marine conservation.

Healthy oceans need healthy ecosystems, and healthy ecosystems need thriving predators.

Today, we celebrate the ocean and reaffirm our commitment to studying, understanding, and protecting the wildlife that calls it home.

-Team CWSP

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

We have our life size shark all set up for 🦈This 18 footer unfortunately does not fit on one of Cheda’s roll up doors s...
06/06/2026

We have our life size shark all set up for 🦈

This 18 footer unfortunately does not fit on one of Cheda’s roll up doors so we had to stretch it across the two. This gave her a big ole’ peduncle but that’s okay-we see it a whole lot in the wild!

If you see Hilary down at Cheda’s Garage, give her a shoutout for letting us use their doors as a display 🦈

Two of our team members, Paul and Dave, are wrapping up several weeks aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.This voyage, kno...
06/06/2026

Two of our team members, Paul and Dave, are wrapping up several weeks aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

This voyage, known as a “shakedown cruise,” is designed to ensure the vessel, equipment, and onboard systems are operating as intended before major science expeditions begin later this year. During the cruise, the crew tests equipment, troubleshoots issues, refines procedures, and makes critical updates to ensure they are fully prepared for upcoming research missions.

We’re excited to see their hard work contribute to future ocean exploration and scientific discovery.

Big shout out to the NOAA team!🌊

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.

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Inverness, CA
94937

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