The team at Shark Research Foundation is excited to share the latest shark migration updates for March 2025, straight from their expert in the Mid-Atlantic. This dynamic region, stretching from New York to Florida, comes alive in spring as sharks respond to warming waters and seasonal cues. Curious about which sharks are moving where this month? Here’s a detailed look at key coastal hotspots—starting with Hatteras, North Carolina—and the current water temperatures driving these migrations.
Shark Activity Off Hatteras, North Carolina
Water Temperature: ~62°F (16.7°C)
Off Cape Hatteras, the marine biologist observes a surge of shark activity in March 2025. White sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) are lingering in these waters, wrapping up their overwintering phase along the Southeast coast. Tracking data from organizations like OCEARCH shows these predators foraging in nutrient-rich shelf waters, feasting on seals and fish before heading north. Some have already started migrating past the Outer Banks toward summer feeding grounds off New England and Atlantic Canada. Meanwhile, blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus) are kicking off their northward journey from southern Florida, with early arrivals passing through Hatteras en route to nursery areas in the Carolinas and beyond.
Mid-Atlantic Shark Movements: Atlantic City, New Jersey
Water Temperature: ~42°F (5.6°C)
In Atlantic City, the biologist notes that March 2025 brings cooler waters and quieter shark activity—for now. White sharks, after wintering further south, are just beginning to trickle through this migration corridor. Tagged sharks occasionally ping here as they move north from the Carolinas, though the peak season is still weeks away. Blacktip sharks, favoring warmer conditions, won’t reach this stretch until May or June, heading toward Long Island for the summer. The biologist highlights that spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) currently dominate these chilly Mid-Atlantic waters, a year-round fixture in the region.
Savannah, Georgia: A Hub for Migrating Sharks
Water Temperature: ~65°F (18.3°C)
Down in Savannah, the biologist reports a bustling scene along the South Atlantic Bight in March 2025. White sharks are concluding their winter residency, with some starting their northward trek. This area has been a vital overwintering zone, hosting both juvenile and adult sharks feeding on the productive shelf. At the same time, blacktip sharks are streaming through, migrating north from their winter aggregations off southern Florida. These sharks are bound for birthing grounds in the Carolinas by late spring, making Savannah a key transitional stop in their Mid-Atlantic journey.
Cape Canaveral, Florida: Launching Shark Migration South to North
Water Temperature: ~72°F (22.2°C)
At Cape Canaveral, the biologist observes the southern edge of this migration story in March 2025. White sharks that wintered here and in the Gulf of Mexico are beginning to head north, though some linger near the continental shelf to feed before the long haul. This region has been a winter hotspot, but the season is shifting. Blacktip sharks, meanwhile, are departing their massive winter gatherings off South Florida, streaming past Cape Canaveral on their way north. The biologist notes that these warmer waters serve as a launchpad for their journey toward Georgia, the Carolinas, and beyond.
What Drives Shark Migration in March 2025?
The biologist explains that March is a pivotal month in the Mid-Atlantic as rising water temperatures spark behavioral shifts. White sharks, after feeding heavily in the Southeast all winter, are gearing up for their migration to northern feeding grounds—a journey spanning thousands of miles. Blacktips, guided by warming waters, are moving north to find ideal pupping conditions. Temperature, prey availability, and reproductive cycles fuel these movements, offering a fascinating glimpse into shark ecology.
The Shark Research Foundation team hopes you’ve enjoyed this Mid-Atlantic shark migration update—want to help protect these incredible creatures? Support their conservation efforts by hitting the donate button below!
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