Taylor Fortune was swimming with friends off the coast of Nova Scotia five years ago when she felt something pulling on her leg. It was a shark. Fortune survived the attack and is sharing her story in the “Great White Highway,” a new documentary airing on Discovery this weekend. “She was very fortunate,” said Edward Peill, executive producer of the film. “It didn’t hit her major arteries.” Peill is no stranger to sharks in Nova Scotia. He produced “Great White North Invasion” for Shark Week last year. Peill said the uptick in shark sightings in Atlantic Canada could be partly attributed to conservation efforts and growing shark numbers. “They’re now here in numbers they haven’t been in for years,” Peill told CTV News Atlantic’s Todd Battis. “The term researchers are using is we’re in a baby boom.” Peill also notes Atlantic Canada is an attractive destination for white sharks looking for a bite to eat. “There are far more seals in Atlantic Canada than the entire eastern seaboard of the United States,” he said. “Why wouldn’t you come here if you’re a white shark? “It’s the perfect spot for them.” Despite the shark sightings, Peill said people shouldn’t swear off beaches and oceans forever. “All the experts want to let people know these are the realities, but don’t let it prevent you from going in the water,” he said. “Be shark smart.” For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
