Gulf Shores (trfnews.i234.me) A tagged great white shark has moved close to the Alabama coast.
Researchers with OCEARCH are tracking the female shark, named Ernst.
OCEARCH measured her at 12 feet and about 1,009 pounds when tagged.
The team tagged Ernst off Nova Scotia on Oct. 4, 2025.
The tagging was part of work with the Tancook Islands Marine Field Station.
Team Tancook named her for the ferry William G. Ernst.
Tracking updates show she swam down the East Coast and around Florida.
She also spent time near the Florida Keys.
On Jan. 11, 2026, her tag pinged near Dauphin Island.
Reports placed the ping about four miles offshore and near Mobile Bay.
What do the latest pings mean
OCEARCH data scientist John Tyminski said nearshore pings are less common.
He said the movement shows why Gulf tracking still matters.
Chris Fischer, who leads OCEARCH, said the Gulf has strong fish life.
He said large sharks follow food and warmer water in winter.
Marine scientist Dr. Sean Powers at the University of South Alabama agreed.
He said Ernst may be feeding on fish like tuna or mackerel.
Other shark tracks tied to Gulf waters
In 2020, OCEARCH tracked a larger female great white named Unama’ki.
Reports listed her at 15 feet 5 inches and 2,076 pounds.
In 2024, a 14-foot great white named LeeBeth also moved deep into the Gulf.
Reports put LeeBeth near Matamoros, Mexico, during her westward run.
Conservancy scientist Megan Winton said the track helps explain shark travel.
Charter captain Chip Michalove helped tag LeeBeth off South Carolina.
Sharks can also enter rivers in rare cases.
Verified reports show bull sharks reached the Mississippi River near Alton, Illinois.
Safety advice for beachgoers
Experts stress that pings do not mean a shark is at the beach.
A tag only reports when the fin breaks the surface.
Still, safety groups urge smart choices in the water.
Swim in groups and stay near lifeguards when possible.
Avoid swimming at dawn, dusk, or in murky water.
Do not swim near fishing lines or baited areas.
For tips, see the International Shark Attack File.
Florida wildlife officials also share guidance at myfwc.com.
More tracking coverage is available from FOX10 News and Fox Weather.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.