A massive great white shark weighing 1,400 pounds and measuring 13 feet long, known as "Breton" by researchers, was recently tracked near Daytona Beach in Volusia County, Florida, where it surfaced four times in a single day. Tagged by the non-profit scientific organization OCEARCH, this adult specimen has traveled over 41,000 miles since being tagged in 2020.
Breton's movements are monitored through a device attached to its dorsal fin, which sends a signal (ping) whenever the shark spends time at the water's surface. According to data collected by OCEARCH:
- Breton's first alert was on Wednesday at 10:51 a.m.
- On Thursday, it surfaced again at 12:37 p.m., 3:55 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 6:49 p.m.
- The latest ping was recorded on Friday at Blake Plateau, an underwater feature in the western Atlantic.
In the past three days, Breton has traveled approximately 139 miles, following a migration pattern typical of large great white sharks as they seek warmer waters and abundant food sources.
The Journey of Breton
Breton was the first shark tagged during OCEARCH's 2020 Nova Scotia Expedition, conducted on Scatarie Island, Nova Scotia. Named in honor of Cape Breton where it was first identified, Breton has since navigated the eastern coastline of North America, visiting Florida multiple times. The shark began its current migration in December, moving south from the waters of Newfoundland.
This kind of movement is common among large great white sharks in the North Atlantic, who typically leave their summer feeding areas in search of warmer climates.
Other Sharks on the Move
Breton is not alone on this journey. Another male shark, known as Bob, measuring 4 meters, was detected near Florida's coast on January 5, 2025. This migratory behavior supports OCEARCH's research, which has identified predictable patterns in the movements of these species.
Impacts and Fascinating Facts
In 2022, Breton gained viral fame following an intriguing incident: data from its tagging revealed a "self-portrait" in its alert trajectory. Furthermore, in 2023, it was spotted near the Pamlico Sound in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), great white sharks can be found ranging from Maine to the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean.
These sightings not only capture public interest but also provide researchers with valuable insights to better understand the behavior and conservation of these majestic creatures.
Understanding Great White Shark Migration
Why do great white sharks migrate?
Great white sharks migrate to find warmer waters and plentiful food sources. They often leave their summer feeding areas to head south as temperatures drop.
How does OCEARCH track sharks like Breton?
OCEARCH tracks sharks by attaching a device to their dorsal fins that sends a signal or ping whenever the shark surfaces, allowing researchers to monitor their movements.
What areas do great white sharks inhabit?
Great white sharks can be found from Maine to the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, as well as other parts of the world's oceans.