A team of shark experts has encountered an enormous great white shark, nicknamed 'Big Rose,' measuring approximately 20 feet long and weighing an estimated three tons, off the coast of Nova Scotia. The discovery occurred during an expedition to find and tag the elusive female, believed to be one of the largest great white sharks ever recorded in the North Atlantic.
This sighting comes as great white shark encounters between Cape Cod and Nova Scotia have reportedly surged by 1,000% over the last decade. Researchers noted an increasing presence of what they described as 'very large, massive great whites.' The expedition targeted Mud Island, an area that has become a hotspot for larger-than-average great whites, with common sightings typically being eight to 10-foot individuals.
During the initial search, researchers identified and tagged four large sharks, including a 16-foot female named 'Sweetheart.' However, Big Rose remained elusive. Following a clue from tracking data that showed the tagged sharks moved to the opposite side of the island, the team relocated. Underwater cameras revealed the reason for their absence: the sharks were staying deep to avoid detection.
To reach the sharks in the murky depths, the team used a custom lightweight cage for a bottom-cage dive. A 13-foot great white was spotted, confirming the predators had not left. Researchers then used a 50-pound slab of bluefin tuna to lure a massive shark into view.
The shark that approached the bait was identified as Big Rose by a distinctive rose-shaped marking on her dorsal fin. Measurements confirmed her immense size, estimated at 20 feet long, six feet wide, and weighing approximately three tons. Experts estimate Big Rose to be over 50 years old, making her one of the oldest great white sharks in the region.
Despite attempts to tag Big Rose, she disappeared back into the ocean depths and could not be tracked. However, her repeated presence at Mud Island suggests the location holds ecological significance for great white sharks. Over the following month, researchers documented 109 great whites in the area, with 25 appearing multiple times. Tracking data for 'Sweetheart' showed her traveling the entire U.S. Eastern Seaboard. The researchers speculate that Big Rose's substantial width might indicate she returned to the area to give birth, potentially hinting at an undiscovered great white birthing ground nearby.