We’ve got some thrilling news for shark lovers and followers of LeeBeth, one of the most iconic great whites on our radar. After months of radio silence, LeeBeth has finally made a reappearance!
Late last fall, LeeBeth (who I like to say we adopted as an official Texan when she popped up at South Padre) was detected by acoustic receivers off the coast of Cape Cod, as confirmed by the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC). This sighting is significant — not only because of LeeBeth’s reputation, but because it solves the mystery of where she’s been since her last ping.
A Silent Journey
LeeBeth was originally tagged with both a SPOT tag and an acoustic tag by AWSC and Capt. Chip Michalove in Dec. 2023, allowing researchers to track her movements in real time. But in October of last year, her SPOT tag battery died. Since then, fans and scientists alike have been left wondering: where in the ocean is LeeBeth?
Turns out, she was still making her way through Atlantic waters — quietly.
Thanks to the acoustic receivers maintained in collaboration with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, we now know she visited Cape Cod during her journey back south. These acoustic tags don’t rely on satellite signals and instead ping when the shark passes close to stationary underwater receivers — like the ones off Cape Cod.
Why It Matters
LeeBeth’s detection underscores the importance of multi-method tagging. While SPOT tags provide real-time location data, acoustic tags serve as a backup — helping researchers build a fuller picture of shark movements even when a battery runs out.
Her appearance also offers more evidence of just how dynamic and wide-ranging white shark movements can be along the East Coast and into the Gulf. Every ping, every detection is another piece of the puzzle in understanding their behavior and improving conservation efforts.
Track the Data Yourself
Curious to dive deeper into the data? The AWSC just updated their White Shark Logbook with 2024 acoustic detections. Just click on “All Detections” to see where sharks like LeeBeth have been showing up.
We love keeping up with the great work of AWSC and appreciate what they do for the sharks.
“Jaws”-Sized Shark Event Coming To Port Arthur, TX
A mysterious great white shark sighting out of Sabine Pass, TX leads to a 20-year investigation into the return of these great creatures to Gulf waters. Learn about this at a FREE family event at the Museum of the Gulf Coast in Port Arthur, TX.
It will be a fun, affordable way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of “Jaws” as we just happened to have scheduled this on the exact opening weekend from back in 1975.
Click here to access the event page on Facebook. Please RSVP.
Museum of the Gulf Coast
700 Procter St, Port Arthur, TX 77640
Event 10-2
”The Jaws Effect: Presentation by Chester Moore at 11:30
*Shark educational booths and various fun family activities
*Door Prizes
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Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.
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