Pregnant Great White Shark Washes Up on Florida Beach: Scientists Track Epic Journey

In a remarkable display of endurance and navigation, a 14-foot pregnant great white shark named LeeBeth has embarked on an epic journey, traveling over 2,000 miles from South Carolina into the Gulf of Mexico.

A Thrilling Discovery

While beachgoers may not welcome the presence of this formidable predator, scientists tracking LeeBeth are exhilarated by the insights her journey could offer into the behavior and habits of great white sharks, a species made famous by the 1970s movie "Jaws."

Protecting the Species

Designated a protected species in 1997, great white sharks were once hunted indiscriminately but are now showing signs of recovery after decades of overfishing. The growing populations of seals, their favored prey, in parts of the Atlantic Ocean have been proposed as a contributing factor to their resurgence.

Historic Movement

LeeBeth's recent movements, including a historic foray further into the Gulf of Mexico than any previously tracked white shark, have captivated scientists. Her presence near Matamoros, Mexico, just across the U.S. border from South Padre Island, Texas, has raised intriguing questions about the significance of this region for white sharks.

International Collaboration

Megan Winton, a senior scientist with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, stressed the importance of international cooperation to safeguard these majestic creatures. With only a handful of sharks previously tracked west of the Mississippi, LeeBeth's remarkable journey has provided valuable clues about their migration patterns.

Tracking and Tagging

The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, in collaboration with the Massachusetts state government, has tagged over 300 white sharks to date. Thousands more have been tagged by organizations worldwide, shedding light on their movements and habitats.

Significant Collaboration

Outcast Sport Fishing of Hilton Head, South Carolina, partnered with the conservancy to tag LeeBeth, and the decision proved to be fortuitous. The tracking device attached to her has provided extensive data, offering unprecedented insights into the behavior of these enigmatic creatures.

Current Location

As of March 7, the last tracking data indicated that LeeBeth was approximately 100 miles off the coast of Galveston, Texas, continuing her awe-inspiring journey through the Gulf of Mexico.