Juvenile Great White Shark ‘Brass Bed’ Tracked Off Florida Coast After Seasonal Migration
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — A juvenile great white shark named Brass Bed has been detected cruising off the coast of Florida, marking the latest waypoint in her extensive seasonal migration from Canadian waters. The 9-foot, 433-pound female shark was first tagged in October 2025 near Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, and her recent satellite signal placed her northeast of Cape Canaveral, researchers confirmed.
Brass Bed’s movement aligns with a known winter migration corridor used by great white sharks traveling south along the Atlantic coast. John Tyminski, senior data scientist at OCEARCH, explained that this route is consistent with patterns observed annually, as these apex predators follow prey and favorable water temperatures.
“This is a common route that we see with white sharks at this time of year,” Tyminski said, noting that the shark’s journey from Canadian waters to Florida is part of a broader ecological rhythm. The tracking data, collected via a satellite tag attached months ago, provides valuable insight into the species’ migratory behavior and habitat use.
Great white sharks are known for their extensive migrations, often spanning thousands of miles. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has documented similar movements in the Atlantic, highlighting the importance of protecting migratory corridors critical to the species’ survival. Brass Bed’s journey underscores the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems across international boundaries.
Researchers use such tracking data to better understand great white shark population dynamics, feeding habits, and breeding grounds. The shark’s presence near Cape Canaveral also serves as a reminder of the species’ role in Florida’s coastal marine environment, where they help maintain ecological balance.
According to NOAA’s Great White Shark Research Program, juvenile sharks like Brass Bed often follow prey species such as seals and fish along these migration routes, adapting their range based on seasonal changes. The Florida coast, with its rich biodiversity, provides essential feeding opportunities during the winter months.
Efforts to monitor sharks like Brass Bed are supported by federal agencies and conservation groups, emphasizing the importance of science-based management to ensure both human safety and species conservation. The NOAA Fisheries website offers extensive resources on shark biology and conservation initiatives.
As Brass Bed continues her journey, researchers will keep a close eye on her movements to gather data that could inform future policy decisions and public awareness campaigns. The tracking of such sharks also contributes to broader ocean health studies conducted by organizations like the OCEARCH global research team.
For coastal communities and marine enthusiasts, sightings and tracking updates of great white sharks like Brass Bed provide a rare glimpse into the lives of these elusive predators. While encounters remain uncommon, understanding their migratory patterns helps mitigate potential risks and fosters coexistence.
Those interested in following Brass Bed’s migration can access real-time tracking data through platforms supported by NOAA and OCEARCH, which collaborate to enhance public knowledge of marine wildlife. More information on shark migration and safety guidelines is available from the Florida Museum’s Shark Attack File and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Brass Bed’s journey from the chilly waters of Nova Scotia to the warmer Florida coast exemplifies the remarkable endurance and adaptability of great white sharks. As climate change and human activities continue to impact ocean habitats, ongoing research remains vital to preserving these iconic marine predators for generations to come.
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