News Summary
Contender, the largest great white shark recorded, has resurfaced off Pamlico Sound in North Carolina. Measuring nearly 14 feet and weighing around 1,653 pounds, Contender was tagged by OCEARCH. His sighting highlights the migration patterns of these sharks during the critical feeding period in North Carolina, which plays a vital role in their survival and the health of marine ecosystems.
North Carolina
Contender, the largest great white shark ever recorded in the Atlantic, is currently on the move, having resurfaced off Pamlico Sound in North Carolina. Measuring nearly 14 feet long and weighing approximately 1,653 pounds, this impressive shark was tagged by the non-profit organization OCEARCH in January 2025, approximately 45 miles off the reach of the Florida-Georgia coast near Jacksonville.
After going off the radar for nearly a month, Contender’s resurfacing marks a significant moment in his migration, indicating that he has been steadily moving northward. Estimates suggest that Contender is around 30 to 32 years old and is likely taking advantage of a critical feeding period in North Carolina, allowing him to build energy reserves for what could be a potential journey of 1,000 miles or more.
OCEARCH’s chief scientist and veterinarian noted that great white sharks typically commence their late spring to early summer migration between May 16 and June 30. This migration takes them from southern overwintering areas to the northeastern United States and Atlantic Canada foraging grounds. The activity of Contender—and other tagged sharks like him—is closely monitored to further scientific research and aid conservation strategies.
Tracking Contender
The tagging process involved a complex procedure in which Contender was captured alongside the OCEARCH research vessel. Biological samples were collected, and a SPOT satellite tag was attached to his dorsal fin, allowing researchers to monitor real-time GPS data. This tagging effort creates a global shark tracker that enables both scientists and the public to track Contender’s movements live and obtain crucial data on his migratory patterns.
Feeding Habits and Migration Patterns
OCEARCH scientists note that great white sharks often stop off the Outer Banks of North Carolina during their migration due to the rich food resources available in the region. This area serves as an ideal stopover for these apex predators, offering a chance to feed before continuing north. With their critical role in regulating prey populations, great white sharks like Contender are essential players in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems.
Implications for Conservation
The data collected from Contender and other tagged sharks is invaluable for informing conservation efforts and protecting critical habitats. Great white sharks are currently facing numerous threats, including overfishing, habitat loss, and the ongoing impacts of climate change. Through the monitoring of migration patterns and behaviors, researchers can develop better strategies aimed at safeguarding these marine giants and their habitats.
Future Monitoring
The ongoing tracking of Contender’s migration not only holds significance in improving scientific understanding but also serves as a means to promote awareness about the importance of sharks in our oceans. As Contender makes his northward journey, the insights gained may contribute to wider efforts to ensure sustainable marine ecosystems, preserving the vital roles that great white sharks play in them.
As Contender continues his progression toward the Carolinas, both scientists and shark enthusiasts alike remain invested in monitoring his journey, eager to learn more about the behaviors and challenges of one of the ocean’s most formidable predators.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Weather
- Wikipedia: Great White Shark
- New York Post
- Google Search: Great White Shark migration
- CBS17
- Google Scholar: Great White Shark conservation
- KOMO News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Great White Shark
- Newsmax
- Google News: Great White Shark
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
