Mar 12 • 02:34 UTC 🇨🇦 Canada Global News

Great white shark ‘pinged’ off the coast of Vancouver Island

A great white shark named Kara has been tracked off Vancouver Island, a regular occurrence according to researchers, who note her migratory patterns and potential pregnancy.

Researchers from the Marine Conservation Science Institute have confirmed the presence of a great white shark named Kara in the waters off the coast of Vancouver Island, Canada. This shark, measuring approximately five meters and weighing around 1,000 kilograms, is part of a tracking project that started in California. Dr. Michael Domeier, the institute's director, explains that they primarily tag adult female sharks because of their fascinating migratory behaviors, especially considering their reproduction cycles.

Kara was tagged last October and has shown a two-year migration pattern, which includes giving birth every two years. In between birthing periods, these sharks often venture far into the ocean, sometimes as far as Hawaii, before returning to shallower waters. The presence of a shark like Kara off Vancouver Island isn't as rare as one might think and reflects the ongoing natural behaviors of these majestic creatures. As she is currently gestating, there are expectations that Kara might return offshore soon.

In recent tracking updates, Kara has maneuvered back south toward Tacoma, Washington. This movement is indicative of her typical behavior as she navigates the complex patterns of migration that great white sharks exhibit. While the sighting of such a large shark can evoke both curiosity and concern among the public, researchers emphasize that understanding their ecological role and migratory habits is crucial for conservation efforts.

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