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First record of a white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) in Ecuadorian waters coinciding with the 2021 La Niña ENSO event

Abstract:

The occurrence of white sharks, Carcharodon carcharias, in Ecuadorian waters has been based on informal reports and questionable circumstantial evidence. We reviewed unique video evidence from a commercial tuna purse seiner and confirmed the first record for this apex predator within Ecuadorian waters and one of the few available for the Tropical Eastern Pacific. It is hypothesized that the oceanography resulting from the 2021 La Niña ENSO event may be related to this unusual sighting. We propose a vagrant status for the Galapagos Islands until further evidence can confirm residency.