The recent accidental catch of a “very large” thresher shark off Rhode Island was fortuitous in that the shark was safely released and continues to provide researchers with important data.

This massive great white shark is making its way along the Florida coast, but for now, beachgoers need not worry.

Wildlife officials identified the animal as a thresher shark, a species considered “endangered” in Europe, the group said. “Initial assessments suggest that the shark had experienced ...