A young great white shark named Bella, weighing over 730 pounds, has been spotted off Atlantic Canada’s coast during the summer season. The shark, measuring 10 feet long, was last tracked on July 4 as it moved through the Gulf of the St. Lawrence near Quebec’s Magdalen Islands, according to the OCEARCH shark tracking website based in Florida.
On June 29, Bella made her first appearance off the Eastern Coast of Prince Edward Island, marking the initial documented great white shark sighting in the Gulf of the St. Lawrence for the 2026 season, as reported by the St. Lawrence Shark Observatory.
Initially tagged in Mahone Bay, N.S., last summer, Bella has been on a journey from Cape Cod waters through Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and most recently to the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
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Although the increased sightings of white sharks may cause concern, researchers emphasize that it is normal behavior for the species. The St. Lawrence Shark Observatory highlighted that white sharks are regular seasonal visitors to the region.
According to OCEARCH’s data scientist John Tyminski, white sharks have historically inhabited Atlantic Canada waters and their recent resurgence indicates a positive shift in ocean biodiversity.
Tyminski explained that white shark populations were severely depleted in the past due to fishing practices but are now showing signs of recovery, aided by the rebound of seal populations, a key food source for these sharks.
Improvements in tracking technology have enabled more sightings of white sharks, with citizen contributions such as photos and videos further enhancing monitoring efforts.
