Database Created For Gulf Great White Shark Sightings

Great white sharks play a critical role in the marine ecosystem, yet much about their behavior in the Gulf of Mexico remains a mystery. By compiling sightings from as far back as possible, Gulf Great White Sharks aim to uncover patterns, migration routes, and even changes in their behavior over time. Every piece of evidence — no matter how small — can provide valuable insights for researchers and conservation efforts.

Submit your great white shark report from the Gulf of Mexico and see other sightings here.

Fascinating Sightings From the Past and Present

To inspire your participation, here are a few cool stories from different eras that showcase the enduring intrigue of great white sharks in the Gulf:

1950 (February 9): The Brownsville-Herald newspaper reports a great white shark measuring seven feet in length, also referred to as a “man-eater,” was caught off of Port Aransas, Texas, and references this was published in the magazine of Texas Fish, Game & Oyster Commission (now Texas Parks & Wildlife Department).

1984: A commercial fisherman sees a 16-18 foot great white while fishing off of Rabbit Lump off of the western Louisiana coast.

2015 (May): A diver captures a video of a great white shark while spearfishing off the northwestern Florida Coast.

2024 (May): Researchers from the University of South Alabama captured video of the juvenile female shark, approximately 8 feet in length, while monitoring fish movement near the state’s artificial reef zone in Alabama.

Share Your Reports and Make an Impact

Gulf Great White Sharks invites you to add your stories to our growing database! Whether you’ve seen a shark while fishing, diving, or simply strolling along the beach, your report could make a difference. Here’s how to contribute:

  1. Submit Your Sighting: Go here to share the details, along with any photos or videos.
  2. Spread the Word: Share this project on your social media channels using the hashtag #GulfGreatWhiteSightings.
  3. Encourage Others: If you know someone with a story to tell, invite them to contribute their experiences too!

 

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