A 1,400-pound great white shark named Breton is defying typical summer migration patterns by heading south into the warmer waters off the coast of Florida, a move that has scientists seeking explanations. The shark was tagged by the marine research organization OCEARCH in September 2020 off Scatarie Island, Nova Scotia.
While most great white sharks migrate north toward cooler waters and abundant food sources like those found near Cape Cod or Atlantic Canada during the summer months, Breton's latest transmissions from the OCEARCH Global Shark Tracker show him in eastern Florida. This region is not a common destination for white sharks at this time of year, especially given the sea surface temperatures, which have reached as high as 87 degrees Fahrenheit according to recent pings.
OCEARCH Senior Data Scientist John Tyminski noted that warm surface water does not necessarily indicate unsuitable habitat. He explained that sharks like Breton are capable of making deep dives, sometimes hundreds of meters, to access much cooler water temperatures. This behavior suggests that Breton may still have access to suitable conditions despite the warmer surface temperatures.
Scientists speculate that Breton's unusual southward journey may be driven by a pursuit of pelagic fish that school in deeper waters off Florida's coast. "Sharks don't always follow the rulebook," Tyminski said. "Breton's unexpected journey reminds us that the factors driving white shark movements are complex, and we're still uncovering the secrets behind these remarkable migrations."
OCEARCH is a global nonprofit dedicated to researching and protecting marine life, including sharks, whales, and sea turtles. The organization tags these animals to study their migration habits and behaviors. The OCEARCH Global Shark Tracker app provides real-time tracking of Breton and over 400 other ocean animals.