Ocearch said its team of fishermen and scientists has found the first known birthing site for great white sharks on the North Atlantic Coast. After 26 expeditions, Ocearch said the nursery in the famous waters off Montauk, Long Island is the most significant discovery they’ve ever made, reports CBS News correspondent Jeff Glor.

As soon as the shark slides onto the lift, scientists and researchers rush in. By now, the process of tagging is routine for Ocearch. But the particular goal of this trip is not.

“It’s kind of like step two in the science,” said Chris Fischer, founder of Ocearch and the expedition’s leader. “When we started this work back in 2012, 2013... the real question was where are these sharks in the North Atlantic giving birth? Because that’s where they’re most vulnerable.”

For researchers, finding the North Atlantic nursery can lead to better protection policies and far more scientific knowledge.

“Why is this spot so important for you?” Glor asked veterinary pathologist Harley Newton.

“Because this is a unique population. This life stage hasn’t been studied very much.”