Three Great White Sharks Migrate South Along Jersey Shore
OCEARCH-tagged sharks Cayo, Ernst and Nori were detected moving south off New Jersey on Halloween.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Current Conditions
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Three tagged great white sharks, Cayo, Ernst and Nori, moved south along the Jersey Shore on Halloween, according to tracking data from research group OCEARCH. The sharks are migrating along the East Coast toward wintering grounds.
Why it matters
The seasonal fall migration tracked by these tags helps scientists identify important shark habitats and guide conservation efforts. Each ping offers a snapshot of where the animals travel as temperatures drop in northern waters.
The figures come from satellite signals transmitted when each shark's dorsal-fin tag breaks the surface, with Cayo weighing 689 pounds, Ernst weighing 1,009 pounds, and Cayo and Ernst pinging more than 50 and 100 miles offshore respectively. The data does not indicate the sharks' exact routes between pings or their expected arrival dates.
The players
OCEARCH
OCEARCH is a nonprofit research organization that tags and tracks large marine animals to collect biological data and support shark conservation.
The details
Cayo was tagged on July 29 in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, and Ernst was tagged there on October 4. Each tag transmits a location when the fin is above water long enough to send a signal, which OCEARCH then marks on its Global Shark Tracker app.
Timeline
July 29: Cayo tagged in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia.
October 4: Ernst tagged in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia.
October 31: Cayo pinged southeast of Atlantic City; Ernst and Nori pinged offshore near New Jersey on Halloween.
Seasonal Patterns
The southward movement of these tagged sharks follows the fall migration pattern OCEARCH has documented for great whites, which typically carries them from northern waters toward wintering grounds off the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida. Nori's earlier winter off South Carolina is consistent with that route. The sharks' Halloween positions place them on the same seasonal trajectory.
Beachgoers and boaters along the Jersey Shore can check OCEARCH's Global Shark Tracker to follow tagged animals before heading into the water. The tracking data shows sharks moving through offshore areas, so watching local advisories remains the practical step for ocean users.
The takeaway
Tracking data from tagged animals shows how sharks move with the seasons, and checking live shark-tracker maps can help ocean users stay informed about where animals are traveling. Following these seasonal patterns supports research on habitat use.
Further reading
Track more live conditions in the Current Conditions section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Asbury Park Press.
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