Two great white sharks, named Jekyll and Simon, have been displaying unusual behavior that has left scientists intrigued. These normally solitary and fierce predators have been traveling along similar paths up the Atlantic Coast and reached the southern coast of Nova Scotia on the same day last month. This unprecedented migration has sparked curiosity among researchers at OCEARCH, a Utah nonprofit that studies marine life. While the reason behind this behavior remains unknown, scientists suspect that Jekyll and Simon might be related, and are eagerly awaiting blood sample results to confirm their hypothesis.
OCEARCH has been tracking white sharks in the Atlantic Ocean since 2012, collecting valuable data to understand their habitat, breeding patterns, and migration routes. By catching and releasing these sharks after measuring their bodies and giving them ultrasound exams, scientists are able to place tracking devices on them to monitor their movements. The goal is to identify areas where these vulnerable species need protection and gain insight into their complex behavior. With 92 white sharks tracked to date, Jekyll and Simon’s synchronized journey has added a whole new dimension to our understanding of white shark migration, suggesting the presence of a familial and social component in their movements.
Great White Sharks’ Unusual Migration Behavior Raises Questions
Scientists studying great white sharks off the coast of Georgia have observed unusual behavior among two sharks that they had tagged with tracking devices. The sharks, named Jekyll and Simon, have been traveling along similar paths up the Atlantic Coast and reached the southern coast of Nova Scotia on the same day last month. This migration pattern is groundbreaking, as white sharks are typically solitary creatures. The scientists are now awaiting blood sample results to determine if Jekyll and Simon are related, which could shed light on why they are traveling together.
OCEARCH, a nonprofit organization based in Utah, has been tracking sharks in the Atlantic Ocean since 2012. The scientists catch white sharks and collect various samples from them, including blood, mucus, feces, and urine. They also measure the sharks’ bodies and eyes and perform ultrasound exams on female adults. After these procedures, three tracking devices are placed on the sharks, allowing scientists to monitor their movements. The goal of this research is to learn more about where white sharks live, breed, eat, and migrate, in order to identify areas where they need protection.
To date, OCEARCH has tracked 92 white sharks, including Jekyll and Simon. The two sharks, both males, were caught off the coast of Georgia in December. Simon, measuring 9½ feet long and weighing 434 pounds, was caught near St. Simons Island. Jekyll, measuring 8-foot-8 and weighing 395 pounds, was caught near Jekyll Island. Both sharks are estimated to be between 10 and 15 years old. Since April, they have been swimming up the Atlantic Coast, staying between 10 and 100 miles of each other. This social behavior is not commonly observed among sharks, making their migration pattern even more intriguing.
While sharks are known to spend time in the same areas to mate and eat, they typically migrate alone. Other animals, such as birds, salmon, and caribou, are known to migrate in groups. The fact that Jekyll and Simon have been traveling together for months challenges the previous understanding of white shark behavior. Robert Hueter, the chief scientist at OCEARCH, believes that this discovery adds a new element to the understanding of white shark migration, suggesting a potential familial and social component. Hueter is eager to see the blood sample results, which could reveal if the two sharks are related and provide valuable insights into their behavior.
Jekyll and Simon have continued their migration past Nova Scotia’s southern coast and around the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. The last ping from Jekyll’s tracking device was recorded on Quebec’s eastern coast on July 18, while Simon’s last ping was on the northeastern coast of New Brunswick on August 11. The scientists are keenly awaiting further data to see if Jekyll joins Simon on the northeastern coast. This ongoing research into white shark migration patterns and social behavior will contribute to a better understanding of these fascinating creatures and help inform conservation efforts to protect them.
In conclusion, the unusual migration behavior of Jekyll and Simon, two great white sharks tagged off the coast of Georgia, has caught the attention of scientists. Their simultaneous migration along similar paths up the Atlantic Coast challenges the previous understanding of white shark behavior. The scientists are now awaiting blood sample results to determine if the sharks are related and to gain further insights into their social behavior. This ongoing research will help improve our understanding of white shark migration patterns and contribute to their conservation.
