On Sunday, December 17th, OCEARCH reported that the 13-foot-4-inch male great white shark that weighed 1,308 pounds pinged about 10 miles off the Grand Strand coast.
The great white shark was making his annual migration down the Atlantic Coast looking for warmer South Carolina waters.
Just this past week, MyrtleBeachSC News also reported a Record 2,800 pound great white shark caught off SC Coast.
The Great White Shark Migration
The annual Great White Shark December migration through South Carolina is indeed an intriguing natural phenomenon. While great white sharks are known to be present in the waters off South Carolina throughout the year, their numbers tend to increase during certain periods, including December.
These majestic creatures undertake long-distance migrations in search of food, mating opportunities, and favorable environmental conditions. During December, some great white sharks are known to migrate towards the warmer waters of the South Carolina coast, following their prey, such as seals and smaller fish species.
It’s important to note that great white sharks are highly migratory animals, and their movements can vary from year to year. Factors such as food availability, water temperature, and ocean currents can influence their migration patterns. Researchers study these migrations to understand the behavior and ecology of these magnificent creatures better.
What is Ocearch?
Ocearch is a non-profit organization that is focused on the research and conservation of marine species, with a particular emphasis on apex predators like sharks. The organization was founded in 2007 by Chris Fischer, and they are known for their innovative approach to studying and tracking sharks.
Ocearch uses a unique method called “open-ocean research,” where they catch sharks, bring them onto a large research vessel, and conduct a variety of scientific experiments and measurements while the sharks are safely secured. This allows researchers to collect valuable data on shark biology, behavior, migration patterns, and more.
One of the most significant contributions of Ocearch is their shark tagging program. They attach satellite tags to the sharks, which transmit real-time data about their movements, enabling scientists to track their journeys and gain insights into their behavior and habitat use. This information is essential for understanding the ecological role of sharks and for developing effective conservation strategies.
In addition to sharks, Ocearch also collects data on other marine species, including sea turtles, dolphins, and whales. They collaborate with scientists, universities, and institutions worldwide to share their findings and contribute to the global understanding and conservation of marine life.
Ocearch’s work has gained widespread attention and has helped to raise awareness about the importance of protecting sharks and preserving healthy ocean ecosystems. Through their research efforts, they aim to inspire people to care about the oceans and take action to conserve these amazing creatures.