Breton, the iconic great white shark, making waves in Daytona Beach.
Breton, a massive 13-foot great white shark weighing 1,400 pounds, has been frequently spotted off the coast of Daytona Beach. Tagged for research in 2020, Breton has traveled over 41,000 miles in pursuit of warmer waters. As he migrates south from Newfoundland, his movements provide valuable insights into great white shark behavior and marine ecosystems. Despite his size, great whites have not been involved in fatal attacks in Florida since 1926, offering assurance to beachgoers. Keep an eye out for Breton when visiting Daytona Beach’s shores!
Imagine walking along the beautiful beaches of Daytona, feeling the sun shine down on your skin, when suddenly, you hear about a remarkable creature making waves just off the shore! This isn’t just any fish; it’s a gigantic great white shark named Breton. At an impressive 13 feet long and weighing a whopping 1,400 pounds, Breton has recently made headlines for his frequent appearances off Florida’s East Coast, especially around Daytona Beach.
Breton has been part of a thrilling scientific adventure since he was tagged by an organization dedicated to studying marine life. This was back in September 2020, during their Expedition Nova Scotia. The tagging process involved attaching a special satellite device to his dorsal fin, allowing researchers to track his movements in real-time. Since then, Breton has traveled over 41,000 miles across the ocean, chasing warmer waters and rich food sources.
On January 9, 2025, Breton was super active, sending out pings—like little signals from his fancy tracking device—four times in a single day. At 10:51 a.m., 12:37 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 6:49 p.m., all off the coast of Daytona Beach, he practically threw a beach party of his own by announcing his presence! Just a day earlier, he pinged at 10:51 a.m. near Palm Coast, and he even made an appearance off Jacksonville on January 5. It’s like he’s making the most of his Florida vacation!
Breton started his winter getaway from the coast of Newfoundland in early November 2024. As winter chill rolls in up north, sharks like Breton migrate south to bask in the warm waters of Florida. In the last 72 hours alone, he zipped through approximately 139 miles, proving that this shark knows how to travel!
Interestingly, Breton’s movements can paint what some researchers refer to as a “self-portrait,” as he creates distinct patterns in his routes. These discoveries aid scientists in gathering crucial data about marine ecosystems and behavior patterns of great white sharks. Tracking these sharks is vital for understanding not only their habits but also how they interact with their environment.
While the idea of encountering a 1,400-pound shark might raise eyebrows, here’s some reassuring info: since 1926, great whites have not been involved in fatal shark bites in Florida. Although the statistics from 2023 show there were 69 unprovoked shark attacks worldwide, with Florida recording 16, it’s essential to remember that sharks are generally not out for human interaction. Breton is just as curious about us as we are about him!
Breton is not just a noteworthy resident of our shores; he’s also part of a larger movement. He is the fifth shark tagged by researchers at Scatarie Island in just two years, which suggests that this location may be a hotspot for great whites. Continued tracking can unveil more about their migration patterns and behaviors. The more we learn about these magnificent creatures, the better we can coexist with them.
So, if you’re ever in Daytona Beach and hear about big waves or unusual surf reports, just know that it might be our massive friend, Breton, making his presence known. Keep your cameras ready because you never know when this majestic shark might make an appearance!
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