Satellite tracking of white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) along the South African coast, tagged in 2025 and 2026

These data comprise satellite-tracking records of white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) tagged along the South African coast, including Mossel Bay, Struisbaai, and Chintsa. Tagged individuals ranged in size from 1.8 to 4.5 m and included both males and females. Tagging was conducted at coastal aggregation areas, with individuals selected opportunistically based on their attraction to the research vessel. The tagging programme aims to investigate the spatial distribution and movement patterns of white sharks and to understand potential drivers of recent distributional shifts along the South African coast. These include predation pressure from killer whales (Orcinus orca), changes in oceanographic conditions linked to climate variability, and prey availability. Satellite-linked tags (mini-PATs) provide information on shark movements and habitat use, and collect environmental data such as temperature and depth profiles. The dataset also contributes to research exploring the role of large marine predators as mobile ocean sensors or “ocean gliders,” generating in situ oceanographic information from areas that are otherwise difficult to sample. Further oceanographic information can be gathered once tags release from the animal and transmit their GPS position during the data uplink phase. As these tags drift in ocean currents, we are able to gather secondary in situ data streams which are valuable for oceanographers to ground truth current models. These data contribute to improving the understanding of white shark ecology, connectivity, and habitat use in southern Africa and support ongoing conservation and management efforts for this protected species.