Although white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) are considered rare in Atlantic Canada waters, recent sighting records indicate a potentially increasing presence. We combine sighting data with satellite telemetry tracks of large juvenile/adult white sharks tagged in U.S. (n = 9) and Atlantic Canada waters (n = 17) to show seasonal white shark presence and distribution in Atlantic Canada, returns by individuals over multiple years, and high site fidelity to the region. Telemetry data indicate that white sharks are a more common and consistent occurrence in Canadian waters than previously thought, presenting two potential scenarios: 1) tagging technology is revealing white shark presence that was historically cryptic, and/or 2) a northward range expansion of white sharks in the Northwest Atlantic, potentially due to climate change, population recovery, and/or increasing pinniped prey. Given combined sighting and telemetry data indicate a current need for proactive management of white sharks in Atlantic Canada waters, we propose the basis for a management action plan, addressing conservation priorities, management goals and research incentives while considering the potential for human-shark interactions.

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