Video Captures Juvenile Great White Shark Off New England Coastline

A rare juvenile female great white shark was captured on an underwater camera near Block Island, Rhode Island, commemorating a milestone for Atlantic marine research.

The Atlantic Shark Institute expressed excitement about this achievement.

"These small white sharks can be so elusive we didn't know if it would ever happen," Atlantic Shark Institute executive director Jon Dodd said in a statement shared with CBS News Boston. "This is likely the first time anyone has seen this shark and, based on its size, it is likely a juvenile and perhaps even a young-of-the-year white shark."

The footage, which shows the shark swimming past the bait, was widely shared on social media.

While great white sharks are less common in Rhode Island waters compared to other species, such as blue sharks, their presence earlier in the season and in northern areas, like Maine, suggests migration patterns and habitat preferences may be shifting.

Earlier this year, video of a 20-foot shark swimming around Block Island's Great Salt Pond on Memorial Day went viral.

CBS News Boston noted that multiple shark sightings were reported during the weekend of Sept. 27-28. Massachusetts shark biologist John Chisholm told swimmers, "It's peak white shark season, so stay vigilant if you're going in the water."

Recent efforts have been focused on promoting shark safety and awareness, with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy helping to educate the public about these creatures.