[ad_1]
Ocearch, a US-based ocean and shark research organization, caught Nukumi in the waters off Nova Scotia in early October and tagged her.
At the time they said it was the largest Great White ever seen in Atlantic waters.
Ocearch founder Chris Fischer told 9News.com.au that Nakumi has moved from Nova Scotia.
“It moved a little south,” Fisher said before revealing that the southward migration of large sharks has begun.
The last beep from Nakumi’s locator placed her off the coast of Virginia on the east coast of the United States.
“About half of our sharks have started migrating south,” Fischer explained.
“The shark is spending late summer, fall, in Atlantic Canada and as we move into our early winter those animals migrate south along the east coast.
Nukumi is estimated to reach warmer waters by the end of December.
As the sharks travel south, they are expected to reproduce and scientists believe they are refining themselves in breeding grounds.
“We haven’t located that area (they’re breeding),” Fischer said.
“We feel we have an idea of where they are mating, but we haven’t proved it yet.”
Mr.Fischer believes that Nakumi, who is sexually mature, is invaluable to her species and has estimated that she is at least 50 years old.
The largest sharks captured, tagged and studied around the world
He could get to live to see 70.
“It was really great to be around these bigger animals, really humbling,” Fischer said.
“It makes you feel really old and meaningful.”
It survived us, “he said, referring to the 70s, 80s and 90s when the great whites were hunted.
“Now you have these genes there, and you know that these genes from the point of view of natural selection are very very good.”
Mr. Fisher also said that one of his main roles is to protect fish stocks and prevent seals and squid from over-foraging on fry and bait.
Thinking back to his etiquette, Mr. Fischer praised the animal’s calm temperament.
“She walked in and got into the crib, she just moved a little bit,” he said.
“We see that with most of the larger sharks … more often the smaller sharks float more and are more difficult to manage.
“But you might feel his presence. You know you’re dealing with an ancient animal. You can see the story of his life in his scars.”
OCEARCH is an ocean data collection organization that has labeled and collected samples of hundreds of sharks, dolphins, seals and other animals.
Source link
