A large female great white shark has been detected in the Gulf of Mexico near Dauphin Island, Alabama, according to satellite tracking data reported by FOX 10 TV.
“A massive great white shark is pinging near Dauphin Island,” FOX 10 TV reported, noting the shark’s location was confirmed through a satellite tag that transmitted data when the animal’s dorsal fin breached the surface.
The shark, named “Ernst”, is estimated to be approximately 12 feet long and weigh around 1,000 pounds.
That’s no doubt a big fish but she’s not a mature great white. For comparison the famous “LeeBeth” the great white that showed up in Texas waters in 2024 was only two feet longer but weighed 2,600 pounds.
White sharks get fatter the longer they get.
This doesn’t diminish Ernst at all.
But I do like to give perspective on these shark reports as most media overhypes size relative to the species.
Ernst was tagged in October 2025 off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada, by the marine research organization OCEARCH. Since tagging, she has traveled thousands of miles south along the Atlantic coast before entering the Gulf of Mexico. Her movements are consistent with seasonal migration patterns observed in adult great white sharks.
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The shark was named after the William G. Ernst ferry, which serves communities near the location where she was originally tagged.
Scientific Context
In comments shared by FOX 10 TV, OCEARCH founder Chris Fischer explained that the presence of a large apex predator can indicate a healthy marine ecosystem. “If a top predator is there, that means everything below it in the food chain is working,” Fischer said.
OCEARCH tracks more than 100 sharks worldwide using satellite technology, collecting data that supports marine research, conservation, and public education through its Global Shark Tracker.
Public Awareness
Great white sharks are highly migratory and spend much of their time offshore. Researchers note that detections in the northern Gulf of Mexico are uncommon but not unprecedented and do not indicate an increased risk to swimmers or beachgoers.
Ernst’s movements will continue to be monitored as she travels through Gulf waters.
Chester Moore
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