Is climate change behind an apparent increase of Great White sharks in Canadian waters? The American research group, Ocearch says it’s too early to tell.

Ocearch has been studying the movement of Great White Sharks along the east coast of the United States and Nova Scotia.

In recent years, a number of tagged sharks have made their way as far north as the south coast of Newfoundland. A few years ago, Lydia, a massive female Great White made headlines worldwide after venturing as far north as the inner reaches of Placentia Bay.

Last fall, Hilton, a male Great White lingered off the south coast of Newfoundland for several weeks.

Brunswick, another male, has also been lingering off the south coast of Newfoundland in recent days.

Expedition Chief Scientist with the Wildlife Conservation Society, Dr. Harley Newton says they’re still collecting data to determine what factors are at play in drawing Great Whites further north.

Some are surprised by how many white sharks we’ve encountered in Canada and we’re often asked if climate change is driving them up there. Here’s why we’re not jumping to that conclusion. pic.twitter.com/X0jsoxxb6S

— OCEARCH (@OCEARCH) November 6, 2019