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Together We Can Ensure There Are 0 Great Lakes Shark Attacks In 2026
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Our Purpose and Values
The Great Lakes Freshwater Shark Search Project (GLFSSP) exists to be the leading organization in the search for freshwater sharks.
We are explorers who love the Great Lakes and the freshwater coasts.
We aim to be a regional movement of leaders and visionaries creating a sustainable community centered around the search for freshwater sharks.
We seek to educate the public about sharks and support marine conservation efforts across the globe.
Shark Free
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Great Lakes Sharks
The Great Lakes Freshwater Shark Search Project (GLFSSP) is a unique initiative founded by explorer and TikToker Jordan Adrift, dedicated to investigating the possibility of sharks inhabiting the Great Lakes. Combining scientific curiosity with community engagement, the GLFSSP invites volunteers to become "Shark Searchers," contributing to the exploration and understanding of these freshwater ecosystems.
Our vision is to establish a network of clubhouses around the Great Lakes region where our members and the public can learn more about freshwater sharks, drink excellent coffee, and participate in local events.
Gannett Outfitters and the Great Lakes Shark Search Project were established in Charlevoix Michigan in 2020. Lake Michigan, Grand Traverse Bay, and the Little Grand Traverse Bay have been a hotbed of reported freshwater shark sightings in the most recent decade.
Frequently Asked Questions About Great Lakes Sharks
Are there sharks in the Great Lakes?
There are no confirmed, scientifically documented sharks living in the Great Lakes. The lakes are freshwater and far from any ocean, which makes them an unlikely habitat for most shark species. However, the Great Lakes are vast — Lake Superior alone covers over 31,000 square miles — and reported sightings continue to generate curiosity. The Great Lakes Freshwater Shark Search Project (GLFSSP) exists to take those reports seriously and investigate what, if anything, is out there.
Can bull sharks survive in freshwater?
Bull sharks are one of the few shark species capable of surviving in freshwater environments. They have been found in rivers and lakes around the world and are known to travel hundreds of miles inland via river systems. While there is no verified evidence of bull sharks in the Great Lakes, their documented freshwater tolerance makes them the most frequently discussed candidate when it comes to Great Lakes shark speculation.
Has anyone ever seen a shark in Lake Michigan?
Reported sightings of large, shark-like creatures in Lake Michigan have circulated for decades. While none have been officially verified or documented by marine biologists, the Great Lakes Shark Patrol takes these reports as valuable data points in the broader search for freshwater sharks. Lake Michigan — with 1,638 miles of swimmable shoreline — remains one of the most actively monitored bodies of water in the GLFSSP search effort.
What is a freshwater shark?
A freshwater shark is any shark species capable of surviving in low-salinity or fresh water. Bull sharks are the most well-known example, but river sharks of the genus Glyphis are also true freshwater species found in parts of Asia and Australia. The possibility of undocumented or migratory freshwater sharks reaching North American inland waterways is the central question driving the Great Lakes Freshwater Shark Search Project.
What is the Great Lakes Shark Patrol?
The Great Lakes Shark Patrol is the community and awareness arm of the Great Lakes Freshwater Shark Search Project, founded in Charlevoix, Michigan. We recruit Shark Searchers — volunteers who commit to watching the Great Lakes shorelines and reporting unusual activity. Our mission is equal parts exploration, education, and community. We also support global marine conservation efforts and hope to establish a network of regional clubhouses for members across the Great Lakes basin.