News Summary
A nearly 10-foot female dusky shark, named Mira, has been pinged off St. Helena Island, indicating her northward movement along the Beaufort coast. This tracking, part of an initiative by OCEARCH, aims to gather data on endangered dusky sharks to enhance ocean health and conservation efforts. Dusky sharks face alarming population declines, and understanding their migratory patterns is crucial for their survival and the ecosystems they inhabit.
Beaufort, South Carolina
A nearly 10-foot female dusky shark named Mira has been pinged off the coast of St. Helena Island, signaling her northward movement along the Beaufort coast. This tracking is part of an initiative by the global nonprofit organization OCEARCH, which aims to collect data on large marine animals to promote ocean health and ecosystem balance.
Mira was captured, tagged, sampled, and released on May 15, 2025, off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida. At the time of tagging, she measured 9 feet, 8 inches and weighed approximately 327 pounds, suggesting she is slightly above full maturity for her species. The name Mira not only means “wonder,” but also pays homage to a star in the night sky, emphasizing the significance of her journey in marine research.
Dusky sharks are classified as globally endangered and are identified as vulnerable in both the North Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Their populations have seen alarming declines of 75% to 99% in some areas, primarily due to targeted fisheries and bycatch. These statistics highlight the urgent need for monitoring and conservation efforts aimed at this species.
Mira’s Journey and Significance
OCEARCH’s Chief Scientist stresses the importance of understanding dusky shark movements to gain insights into their habitat and behavior. Mira’s tracking provides valuable data that can aid in the conservation efforts, allowing researchers to identify significant patterns in the shark’s migratory habits. Before heading northward, Mira pinged multiple times in the Beaufort area, indicating a brief stop that may offer clues to her foraging or resting behaviors along the coastline.
Dusky sharks exhibit a reproductive cycle comparable to that of great white sharks, featuring small litters, late maturity, and a reproductive cycle that spans approximately three years. During tagging, Mira showed no signs of pregnancy or recent mating, which adds further information regarding her stage of life and reproductive health.
Environmental Connections
The waters around Beaufort County host various species of sharks, including dusky sharks, and play a vital role in the local marine ecosystem. As beachgoers become active during warmer weather, discussions around shark safety and awareness increase. Understanding the presence and behavior of sharks like Mira can help to ensure safe interactions between marine life and the community.
Moreover, the ongoing tracking of Mira can be followed on OCEARCH’s website, allowing the public to stay informed about her movements and the broader implications of shark conservation. The continuous monitoring of dusky sharks contributes to a growing understanding of their ecology and the challenges they face in the changing oceanic environment.
The situation surrounding dusky sharks, particularly in regions like Beaufort, highlights a critical intersection of wildlife biology and public awareness. The conservation efforts are essential not just for the survival of a vulnerable species but also for maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems that benefit both marine life and human communities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Dusky Shark Sighting Raises Conservation Concerns in Beaufort County
Additional Resources
- Your Island News: Endangered Shark Visits Beaufort
- Wikipedia: Dusky Shark
- Explore Beaufort SC: Shark Safety at Beaufort’s Beaches
- Google Search: Shark Safety Beaufort
- Island Packet: Local News on Sharks
- Google Scholar: Shark Conservation Beaufort
- Eat Stay Play Beaufort: Diving Local Waters
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shark Ecology
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
