Massive Great White Shark Spotted Off Mississippi Coast, Rare Gulf Migration Confirmed
A monstrous great white shark has been detected patrolling waters just off Alabama's coast in January, only to resurface and migrate even further west to the shores of Mississippi - a rare occurrence for the species.
In a remarkable journey spanning thousands of miles, the 12-foot, nearly 1,000-pound female shark, known as "Ernst," made its way from Canadian waters along the U.S. East Coast down to the Gulf of America. According to OCEARCH, a U.S.-based marine research group that tagged Ernst in October 2025 in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, her movement westward is unusual for great white sharks in the region.
Ernst's travels have taken her to numerous locations along the coast, including lower Maine, Miami and the Keys, and as far north as the Florida Panhandle. Her latest whereabouts were detected south of Horn Island off the Mississippi coast, where she pinged again on January 30 around 6 a.m.
Researchers say Ernst's proximity to shore is notable, as great white sharks tend to prefer deeper waters. However, her migration patterns indicate that there's an abundance of marine life and biodiversity in this area, which is a positive sign for the region.
OCEARCH tracks other great white sharks across the Atlantic and Gulf of America using satellite tags, providing vital insights into their movements and behavior. This study offers a rare glimpse into the migratory patterns of these magnificent creatures and highlights the importance of marine conservation efforts.
The female shark's journey is a testament to her resilience and adaptability as she navigates through changing environments. Researchers are working tirelessly to track her movements and better understand the behavior of great white sharks, shedding light on their habitat needs and migration patterns.
A monstrous great white shark has been detected patrolling waters just off Alabama's coast in January, only to resurface and migrate even further west to the shores of Mississippi - a rare occurrence for the species.
In a remarkable journey spanning thousands of miles, the 12-foot, nearly 1,000-pound female shark, known as "Ernst," made its way from Canadian waters along the U.S. East Coast down to the Gulf of America. According to OCEARCH, a U.S.-based marine research group that tagged Ernst in October 2025 in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, her movement westward is unusual for great white sharks in the region.
Ernst's travels have taken her to numerous locations along the coast, including lower Maine, Miami and the Keys, and as far north as the Florida Panhandle. Her latest whereabouts were detected south of Horn Island off the Mississippi coast, where she pinged again on January 30 around 6 a.m.
Researchers say Ernst's proximity to shore is notable, as great white sharks tend to prefer deeper waters. However, her migration patterns indicate that there's an abundance of marine life and biodiversity in this area, which is a positive sign for the region.
OCEARCH tracks other great white sharks across the Atlantic and Gulf of America using satellite tags, providing vital insights into their movements and behavior. This study offers a rare glimpse into the migratory patterns of these magnificent creatures and highlights the importance of marine conservation efforts.
The female shark's journey is a testament to her resilience and adaptability as she navigates through changing environments. Researchers are working tirelessly to track her movements and better understand the behavior of great white sharks, shedding light on their habitat needs and migration patterns.
! I mean, can you imagine being that adaptable? From Canadian waters to the Gulf of America? She's been spotted in Maine, Miami, and even down south near Mississippi. It's wild how much marine life is out there for her to explore.
. She's like a true wanderer, not afraid to take the road less traveled. And it's great to see researchers are tracking her movements, learning more about these incredible creatures and how we can protect them.
. As we continue to learn more about Ernst and other great whites, I'm hopeful we'll get even closer to preserving their habitats and ensuring these incredible animals thrive for generations to come.
ernst's journey is like the ultimate road trip - no roads or traffic jams for her though! 
1,000 pounds of pure power and speed, gliding through the ocean like it's nothing. and to think she's just been tagged by some humans with a tiny little tracker... not exactly the most discreet thing in the world 
but hey, at least it helps us learn more about these incredible creatures. and who knows, maybe ernst will come back east again someday 
! I've never seen anything like it before. I'm talking 12 feet long and over 1,000 pounds - that's huge! 
It's mind-blowing to think she swam from Canada all the way down to the Gulf of America. And what's even wilder is that she's been pinged in so many different places along the coast - Maine, Miami, the Keys... I'm pretty sure my brain can't handle it 
!
like what even is that lol how does she survive in those shallow waters? and isnt she like super old to be out there alone btw she must have found some awesome fish spots or something 
that's insane! i'm all about those marine conservation efforts tho 
. And can you imagine swimming with those bad boys in their natural habitat? 