Great Lakes Shark Research Expands as Jordan Adrift Studies Bull Sharks in Florida

MILWAUKEE, WI: Jordan Adrift, founder of the Great Lakes Freshwater Shark Search Project (GLFSSP), is heading south, but not for a vacation. His destination is the Gulf of Mexico. His mission is to study one of the ocean’s most resilient predators, the bull shark, and explore how these animals might adapt to the unique conditions of the Great Lakes.

For years, the GLFSSP has been dedicated to investigating and educating the public about the possibility of sharks surviving in freshwater environments. While there is no conclusive evidence of an established shark population in the Great Lakes, bull sharks have long fascinated researchers for their remarkable adaptability. These sharks are capable of moving between saltwater and freshwater with ease, making them one of the few species that could potentially thrive in the lakes’ vast, cold expanse.

“Bull sharks are the ultimate survivors,” Adrift explained before his trip. “They can tolerate low salinity levels for extended periods, which raises important questions about their potential range and whether they could make a seasonal or even permanent home in a freshwater system like the Great Lakes.”

Why Florida?

The Gulf of Mexico is home to one of the world’s most robust bull shark populations. By tagging, tracking, and observing their movement patterns, Adrift hopes to gather key data on how the species handles rapid environmental changes, from shifts in salinity to fluctuations in temperature and prey availability. These observations could offer clues about how a bull shark might adapt if it ever entered the Great Lakes via connected river systems like the Mississippi.

“If a bull shark can travel hundreds of miles upriver, as they have been documented doing elsewhere, then the idea of them making their way into the Great Lakes is not as far-fetched as it sounds,” Adrift noted.

Beyond the Science: Public Education

While GLFSSP’s research often makes headlines for its thrilling subject matter, Adrift stresses that education remains at the heart of the project. By sharing findings with schools, environmental groups, and the public, he hopes to encourage a better understanding of aquatic ecosystems and dispel both unwarranted fears and common myths about sharks.

“People often think sharks are mindless predators,” Adrift said. “But in reality, they are a vital part of keeping aquatic ecosystems healthy. Understanding their adaptability is not just about curiosity. It is about preparing for how our changing world affects all species, including humans.”

Looking Ahead

Adrift’s Gulf research will run through late summer. Afterward, he plans to return to Wisconsin with fresh insights, tracking data, and hopefully a few new mysteries to investigate. The findings could play a key role in shaping the GLFSSP’s future direction, from conservation advocacy to expanded tracking programs in North American freshwater systems.

In the meantime, followers of the Great Lakes Freshwater Shark Search Project can track his progress through field updates and behind-the-scenes footage posted on the organization’s website and social channels.

As Adrift put it with a grin before boarding his flight:

“Whether they are here now or not, it is worth asking the question: Could the Great Lakes one day be home to the ultimate freshwater predator?”