(MENAFN) A massive great white shark weighing more than 1,400 pounds was tracked off the coast of North Carolina over the weekend. The shark, named Breton by nonprofit marine research group OCEARCH, measures 13 feet and 3 inches in length and weighs 1,437 pounds. Breton was detected off Hatteras, North Carolina, according to OCEARCH, which monitors the movements of marine animals.
Several juvenile sharks have been spotted in the same area recently, according to OCEARCH. The nonprofit group explained on Facebook that many marine animals use the productive continental shelf waters around the Outer Banks, NC as a spring staging area before making their migration north for their summer residency. Breton was first tagged off Nova Scotia in 2020, with tracking data showing that he has traveled up and down the East Coast of the United States since then.
Great white sharks range from Maine down to the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. These apex predators can grow up to 21 feet long and weigh up to 4,500 pounds. Breton, as a 1,400-pound great white shark, is considered a formidable force in the waters off the coast of North Carolina.
The tracking of Breton and other marine animals is an important aspect of marine research, providing valuable insights into the movements and behavior of these creatures. OCEARCH, in particular, is dedicated to studying sharks, and uses state-of-the-art technology to track their movements and monitor their health. By tagging and tracking marine animals, researchers can gain a better understanding of their migration patterns, feeding habits, and other behaviors, which can inform conservation efforts and help protect these creatures from further harm.
While the presence of a 1,400-pound great white shark may be intimidating to some, it is a reminder of the incredible diversity and power of the ocean ecosystem. By continuing to study and protect these creatures, researchers and conservationists can help ensure that they continue to thrive for generations to come.
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