Great white shark tracked in the Gulf of St. Lawrence

A juvenile great white shark named Bella was tracked in the Gulf of St. Lawrence on July 4 near Quebec’s Magdalen Islands, according to OCEARCH. Researchers say the shark’s presence in Atlantic Canada is normal for the species and reflects its seasonal movement through the region. Bella was first tagged in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, last summer and later travelled south for winter before moving back north this year. Scientists say white sharks have long used Atlantic Canada waters, and recent sightings are being supported by better satellite tracking, public reporting, and recovering seal populations. Researchers say sharks in the region are not unusual and that attacks on people remain extremely rare in Canada. They advise swimmers to use commonsense precautions, including avoiding murky water, dawn and dusk swimming, and areas where seals are present.