Rare Sighting: Satellite-Tagged Great White Shark 'Ernst' Ventures Deep into Gulf of Mexico
Rare Sighting: Satellite-Tagged Great White Shark 'Ernst' Ventures Deep into Gulf of Mexico
In an unexpected migration pattern, a massive female great white shark is charting new territory in the Gulf of Mexico. The shark, named Ernst by researchers, was first tagged off Nova Scotia in October 2025 and has since traveled thousands of miles along the Eastern Seaboard before turning westward into the Gulf—a movement scientists describe as atypical for the species.
Weighing nearly 1,000 pounds and measuring 12 feet in length, Ernst was initially detected near Gulf Shores, Alabama, in mid-January. By late January, her satellite tag signaled a position south of Horn Island, Mississippi, confirming her continued presence in the northern Gulf waters. According to marine research group OCEARCH, which is tracking her journey, this represents one of the westernmost points ever recorded for a great white in this basin.
"Great whites are selective travelers. They follow life," explained Chris Fischer, founding expedition leader of OCEARCH. "Seeing Ernst tight to the coast like this is unusual, but it's also a promising indicator. It suggests there's robust marine life and biodiversity here to support such a large predator."
The shark's path took her from Canadian waters down past Maine, along the U.S. East Coast, around Florida and the Keys, and now beyond the Panhandle. Researchers note that while great whites are known to visit the Gulf, sustained movement this far west is rare. The detection near the Chandeleur Islands off Louisiana further underscores the shark's atypical itinerary.
This sighting follows another notable return: Contender, the Atlantic's largest recorded male great white, reappeared in Florida waters earlier this year after a year-long journey north to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Scientists speculate such movements may be linked to mating behaviors or shifts in prey distribution.
OCEARCH continues to monitor Ernst via a satellite tag attached to her dorsal fin, which pings her location each time it breaks the surface. The organization describes her journey as embodying "connection, resilience and teamwork" that advances ocean research.
Voices from the Community
Dr. Lena Vance, Marine Biologist, University of South Alabama: "Ernst's track is fascinating data. It challenges our assumptions about great white habitat range in the Gulf. This isn't just about one shark; it's about the health of the entire coastal ecosystem her presence implies."
Mike Rivera, Charter Boat Captain, Biloxi: "I've fished these waters 30 years. Seeing a great white on the tracker this close to shore? That's a first for me. It's a reminder of how wild and unpredictable the Gulf still is."
Sarah Chen, Coastal Advocate: "This is what happens when we downplay climate impact and overfish. These apex predators are being pushed into new areas. It's not a 'cool tracking story'—it's a distress signal from the ocean. Are we even listening?"
Tommy Boudreaux, Lifelong Gulfport Resident: "It gets your attention, for sure. But sharks have always been out there. The tech just lets us see it now. I'm more curious than worried—she's probably just following the fish."
Tracking data courtesy of OCEARCH. Original reporting sourced from Fox News Digital.