The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy has entered into a lease agreement to open a Shark Center on historic MacMillan Wharf in Provincetown, taking over space previously occupied by the Whydah Pirate Museum, which relocated to West Yarmouth.
In addition to leasing the ground floor of 16 MacMillan Wharf, the nonprofit has leased a slip at the property’s marina and will operate its 25-foot vessel for shark ecotourism trips from the location. The conservancy’s team will also utilize the new slip for research trips.
“We are thrilled to be opening a second Shark Center to be located in Provincetown and to be connecting with the local community,” said Cynthia Wigren, chief executive officer and co-founder of The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy. “Provincetown is a perfect location to engage with visitors from all over the world to further our mission to support scientific research, improve public safety, and to educate the community to inspire conservation of Atlantic white sharks.”
The new Shark Center will offer visitors an in-depth look at great white sharks through interactive exhibits, videos and displays, as well as provide insight into groundbreaking local research. The conservancy will also continue to operate its Shark Center in Chatham, which welcomes thousands of visitors annually.
Exhibits at the Provincetown Shark Center are expected to open in summer 2022, following an extensive buildout and renovation of the 3,100-square-foot space.
Local and state government officials applauded the Conservancy’s plan to locate its second Shark Center in Provincetown.
“The opening of a Provincetown Shark Center by the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy is such great news,” said State Rep. Sarah Peake, D-Provincetown. “Provincetown is already known as an ecotourism destination. The Shark Center will be an excellent addition. The important research work conducted by the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy will complement the already existing coastal and marine ecosystems research being done by the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies and the Cape Cod National Seashore. Having the Shark Conservancy located here is a win for everyone.”
“We are very excited to welcome the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy to Provincetown,” said Provincetown Town Manager Alex Morse. “Their plans to open a Shark Center in town, along with their plans to launch ecotourism and research trips, fits right into our goal to expand ecotourism opportunities and further promote the blue economy. I thank them for their investment, and we expect that residents and visitors alike will enjoy this new experience.”
Additional information can be found at www.atlanticwhiteshark.org.
