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Satellite Equipment Revealed Unprecedented Journey of Female Georgina, Connecting Marine Populations of Brazil and Africa
A female tiger shark, named Georgina, made history by being the first of her species, monitored in Brazil, to complete an oceanic migration to Africa. The animal was tagged with a satellite transmitter in Fernando de Noronha on July 13, 2024, by researchers from the Sharks and Rays Project.
On May 6, 2025, the signal was received off the coast of Liberia, after crossing about 5,000 kilometers. The project coordinator, Bianca Rangel, from the University of São Paulo (USP), confirmed that this was the first recorded migration between continents with a shark tagged in Brazilian territory.
The discovery, according to her, is an unprecedented advance in the studies of the species’ migratory behavior.
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International Partnership Drives Studies on Marine Behavior
Furthermore, the research results from an international cooperation between the Sharks and Rays Project of Noronha and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia. Brazilian scientist Raquel Lubambo from KAUST emphasized that the technology was essential to confirm the trajectory.
She stated that the confirmation of the crossing supports the theory that there is a connection between tiger shark populations along the coasts of Brazil and Africa. Thus, if there is reproduction between these groups, there will be an important genetic flow in the Atlantic Ocean.
According to Raquel, this genetic exchange between oceanic regions is vital for the species’ global conservation.
Ocean Currents and Natural Phenomena Favor the Crossing
Georgina’s trajectory also surprised by challenging the prevailing ocean currents. Analysis of satellite data revealed that the animal may have used a subsurface current flowing toward the African continent to move.
The shark possibly surfed on oceanic variations along the way. At certain moments, the equipment ceased to emit signals, which may indicate that the female swam through deeper regions.
The researcher explained that, based on oceanographic assessment, certain natural phenomena directly contributed to the deviation from current patterns, aiding Georgina’s migration.
Species Security Still Concerns Brazilian Researchers
Despite the scientific achievement, researchers expressed concern for the animal’s safety. Scientist Bianca Rangel highlighted that, although reaching Africa is a reason for celebration, the region also suffers from intense fishing activity.
The concern is that, as in 2014, someone will capture the shark before it completes its natural cycle. That year, a commercial fleet from Côte d’Ivoire caught another tiger shark that a different team was tracking in the middle of the Atlantic.
Thus, the protection of these species along migratory routes is currently a priority for scientists.
Study Reinforces Urgency for Conservation of Migratory Sharks
The progress represented by Georgina’s migration highlights, above all, the importance of broader conservation measures. By confirming that Brazilian and African tiger sharks share routes and genetic patterns, the study reinforces the need for international cooperation to preserve these populations.
In addition, the discovery reveals that the migratory behavior of the species is more complex than previously thought. According to the researchers, new analyses are underway to identify other similar migratory patterns.
Raquel Lubambo also stated that Georgina’s case may pave the way for more efficient and globally connected environmental policies. After all, the future of these animals depends on a joint understanding between science and preservation.
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