A Record-Breaking Journey

A massive 1,400-pound great white shark known as Breton has reached uncharted territory. On March 29, satellite tracking data placed the shark approximately 104 miles off the coast of Grand Turk Island in the Turks and Caicos.

This location is significant as it marks the farthest south an OCEARCH-tagged white shark from the western North Atlantic population has ever been documented in the West Indies.

Tracking Technology and Longevity

Researchers at OCEARCH noted that Breton's SPOT tag is still transmitting location data, which is highly unusual. These satellite-linked devices, attached to the shark's dorsal fin, typically have a lifespan of about five years.

"His SPOT tag is still sending locations, well beyond the typical lifespan of most tags," OCEARCH stated on X. The continued functionality of the device allows scientists to monitor his movements in near real-time.

The History of Breton

Breton was the first shark tagged during the 2020 Expedition Nova Scotia. He was named in honor of the people of Cape Breton, the region where he was initially tagged. He represents the fifth shark tagged by OCEARCH in that area over two years of research, providing evidence that the region serves as a consistent habitat for white sharks.

The name was selected by OCEARCH partner SeaWorld to reflect a commitment to wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and ocean health. Before his recent trek to the Turks and Caicos, Breton was tracked off the coast of Georgia on March 3. Over the past five years, his migration path has spanned the North Atlantic, including sightings from New Brunswick to Newfoundland, Canada.