News Summary
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!
Daytona Beach: Meet Breton, the 1,400-Pound Great White Shark!
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.
Track and Tag Adventure
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.
Shark Spotting Extravaganza
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!
Unveiling the Migration Mystery
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!
Creating Patterns in the Ocean
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.
Shark Stats and Safety
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!
A Look at the Future
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!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox News: Massive 1,400-Pound Great White Shark Pings Off Florida Beach
- Click Orlando: Meet the 2 Massive Great White Sharks Pinging Off Volusia, Brevard Counties
- CBS News: 1,400-Pound Great White Shark Off Florida Coast
- News Journal Online: Florida Great White Shark Pings Off Daytona Beach
- Patch: 1,400 lb Great White Shark Pings Off Florida Coast
- Wikipedia: Great White Shark
- Google Search: Great White Sharks
- Google Scholar: Great White Shark Behavior
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Great White Shark
- Google News: Florida Great White Shark
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
