Authorities and NOAA Fisheries marine science experts responded to Panama City Beach, Florida on November 21, 2025 following the stranding of a large, deceased shortfin mako shark. The 11.4-foot-long female shark was discovered washed ashore early that morning. Scientists from the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center were onsite to secure the animal and conduct a full necropsy—an animal autopsy—to determine the cause of death.
"Strandings of large pelagic species like the mako shark are relatively rare for this area, and we take every opportunity to learn from these events. The 11.4-foot size is substantial, and our team was able to collect comprehensive data, including biological samples, to assess the shark’s health, life history, and any potential environmental factors that may have contributed to its death." - Annsli Hilton, NOAA Fisheries Research Associate
Visiting High School Football Team Huddles Up to Help
These types of stranding events are strange and rare, even for Florida residents. Imagine their surprise when visiting high school football teammates from Ohio stumbled upon the scene! The Columbus Crusaders were in the right place at the right time to lend a helping hand to NOAA Fisheries scientists. They quickly jumped into action to assist in transporting the deceased shark to a NOAA vehicle so the animal could be taken to the center lab for necropsy.
“We were so grateful for their zeal and willingness to help,” Dr. John Carlson, NOAA research fish biologist said. “They were interested in the entire process and working with the public to do this provides us with a very real way to connect them to our conservation work.”
Necropsy Results
Following the initial examination of the shark, biologists determined further testing would be needed to determine a cause of death. There was no visible evidence as to why the shark died, such as being caught in fishing gear. Biologists took several tissue samples from the shark to screen for pathogens, including samples from the brain to test for meningoencephalitis, which has been observed in great white sharks. Pathogen screening is coordinated by NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center’s Apex Predators Program.
The opportunity to conduct a post-mortem examination of a stranded shark offers our scientists invaluable data. These necropsies are crucial scientific endeavors, yielding biological samples and insights into the animal's life history, health, and potential environmental factors. This information furthers marine science and conservation efforts. Data from adult shortfin mako sharks is rare; it helps us manage them sustainably.
If you see a dead or injured shark wash ashore, please keep a safe distance and call the NOAA Fisheries Apex Predators Program at (850) 610-1656 in the Florida panhandle or (401) 782-3281 for anywhere else on the U.S. East Coast.
