The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy (AWSC) and shark fans alike got a surprise in late November 2024 when LeeBeth, a 14-foot satellite-tagged great white shark that gained a loyal following when she traveled to Texas nine months earlier, made a brief but significant appearance near Cape Cod Bay.
Though she didn’t linger long, her movement provided valuable insights into the mysterious migratory behavior of these apex predators.
Dr. Megan Winton, senior scientist with the AWSC, noted that LeeBeth’s travel timeline mirrors that of other large white sharks that spend summers off Atlantic Canada before heading south in the fall.
“Cape Cod Bay almost acts like a natural fish trap,” Winton explained.
“Many sharks stop through as they head south, some even hanging around for a while. It’s not unusual for these bigger white sharks—especially the ones tagged by Chip Michalove (a fishing guide who fishes out of South Carolina)—to pass through this area on their journey.”
The AWSC maintains a shark detection system built around acoustic tagging, with receivers spread along the East Coast. While satellite tags provide flashy, real-time location pings, acoustic tags—like the one LeeBeth carries—offer longevity, lasting up to 10 years.
However, they depend on the shark being detected by an underwater receiver, and those aren’t everywhere.
“Acoustic tags are like old-school detective work. We don’t get immediate feedback, but when the data finally comes in, it tells a deep story,” Winton said.
“We rely on a coastwide network of partners who download data a few times a year and share it through our logbook.”
That logbook lit up with LeeBeth’s name again in late 2024. While many hoped she would cruise right past popular viewing areas, she held true to her unpredictable nature and didn’t show up until researchers were off the water for the season.
“We were jealous,” Winton said with a laugh.
“We really hoped she’d swing by while we were out there, but she waited until we were off the boat.”
LeeBeth captured the imagination of ocean lovers far from traditional white shark territory. Her appearance in Texas waters made headlines and even converted a few new shark fans, including my daughter Faith whose curiosity helped spark this very interview.
“LeeBeth is such a great ambassador for her species, She’s helped us tell the story of white sharks, not just here in New England, but in places like the Gulf where people aren’t used to thinking about these animals,” Winton said.
What sets AWSC apart is their multi-layered approach to shark science—integrating high-tech tools, public education, and cross-agency collaboration. Their Shark Smart Beach Program, the White Shark Logbook, and the real-time SharkTivity app are all part of a growing effort to understand and coexist with these enigmatic predators.
As for LeeBeth, she continues to be tracked—silently gliding along the ocean highways, popping up occasionally like a celebrity on tour. Whether she appears off Cape Cod again this summer or takes another detour is anyone’s guess.
But one thing is certain: her journey is far from over, and with scientists like Dr. Winton watching, each ping tells a piece of the puzzle.
“She’s in her thirties now,” Winton said.
“She’s survived this long, navigated thousands of miles, and keeps surprising us. That’s what makes following her—and sharks like her—so compelling.”
Chester Moore
Follow Chester Moore and Higher Calling Wildlife® on the following social media platforms
To support the efforts of Higher Calling Wildlife® click here.
Subscribe to the Dark Outdoors podcast on all major podcasting platforms.
Higher Calling Wildlife on Facebook
Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.
Leave a Reply