Awe and excitement filled the air as a colossal presence made its presence known off the coast of South Carolina. Breton, a magnificent great white shark weighing a staggering 1,500 pounds and stretching over 13 feet long, was spotted by the ocean research organization Ocearch on August 2, approximately 60 miles offshore from Myrtle Beach.
Ocearch, known for tagging and tracking great white sharks to study their behavior, has been monitoring Breton’s movements closely. These tagged sharks “ping” on the tracker when their dorsal fins breach the water’s surface. Prior to this sighting, Breton had spent the months of June and July exploring the waters off the coast of Florida.
Belonging to the North Atlantic great white shark population, which migrates along the eastern coastline of the United States and Canada, Breton’s extended stay in the southern waters has raised intrigue. Typically, these sharks follow a migration pattern, spending summers up north and winters in the south.
Described as somewhat of an anomaly by Ocearch, Breton’s prolonged presence in the warm waters of the Southeast U.S. has caught the attention of researchers. While other actively pinging white sharks are usually found off the Northeast U.S. or Atlantic Canada, Breton’s deviation from the norm is remarkable. The team at Ocearch is now closely monitoring his movements, curious about how he is adapting to the warm water temperatures and whether he will soon begin his migratory trip north towards Atlantic Canada
It is worth noting that shark attacks, while recorded in South Carolina, remain relatively rare and uncommon. With Breton’s proximity to the shore, there is little cause for concern regarding human safety. Nevertheless, his presence serves as a testament to the incredible diversity and beauty of marine life in our oceans.
Breton’s journey has been closely followed since he was initially tagged in September 2020. Researchers, using a hydraulic platform, carefully lift the sharks out of the water to attach the tracking devices to their bodies. Prior to his time in Florida, Breton was tracked in close proximity to the North Carolina shore, believed to be a crucial area where white sharks congregate for mating and raising their young.
As Breton continues his remarkable expedition, his movements provide invaluable insights into the behaviors and migrations of great white sharks. The fascination and wonder sparked by encounters with these majestic creatures remind us of the awe-inspiring marvels that reside beneath the ocean’s surface.