News Summary
Contender, the largest male great white shark recorded, is migrating toward North Carolina. Measuring nearly 14 feet and weighing about 1,653 pounds, he has been tracked moving north, recently pinging just 22 miles off Cape Hatteras. His migration aligns with patterns seen in great whites as they travel to cooler waters. OCEARCH is monitoring his movements to gather crucial data for shark conservation efforts.
Contender the Shark Moves Closer to North Carolina Coast
The largest male great white shark ever recorded, named Contender, is currently migrating toward the coast of North Carolina. Measuring nearly 14 feet in length and weighing approximately 1,653 pounds, Contender was first tagged by a research organization in January 2025 off the coast near the Florida/Georgia border. His movements have become a significant focus of marine research as he travels north during the summer season.
Tracking data shows that Contender was initially spotted off the coast of Georgia and later moved near Florida. In recent weeks, he has been pinging frequently off the coasts of South Carolina and North Carolina. Notably, on June 11, 2025, his tracking device indicated that he was located just 22 miles off the coast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.
Migratory Patterns and Significance
OCEARCH, the non-profit organization responsible for tagging Contender, explains that his migration aligns with standard patterns seen in great white sharks. These sharks typically leave the warmer waters of the southern states during the winter months and migrate north to cooler, prey-rich waters, particularly near Canada. The Outer Banks region of North Carolina has been identified as a crucial rest stop for these sharks, providing a rich source of food that aids them in their preparation for an extensive journey of potentially 1,000 miles.
Data Collection and Conservation Efforts
OCEARCH’s initiative to track Contender aims to gather valuable data on great white sharks in the Northwest Atlantic. The information collected from pinging sharks like Contender plays a vital role in enhancing the understanding and protection of these marine animals. Each ping, which occurs when Contender’s dorsal fin breaks the water’s surface and sends a signal to an Argos satellite, allows researchers to monitor his movements over the next five years. This technology helps provide insight into the behaviors and habitats of great white sharks, thereby contributing to broader conservation efforts.
Age and Background of Contender
Estimated to be around 32 years old, Contender offers significant information about the life span and migration patterns of great white sharks. His size and age make him an important subject for study as researchers seek to understand the dynamics of this powerful predator within its ecosystem.
OCEARCH’s broader mission encompasses the research of not only sharks but also whales, sea turtles, and other ocean life. By identifying where these species go and what environmental factors influence their movements, the organization aims to better inform conservation strategies and protect vital marine ecosystems.
Conclusion
As Contender continues his migration closer to North Carolina, both researchers and conservationists eagerly monitor his journey. The data collected from his movements will contribute significantly to understanding the behavior of great white sharks and supporting the preservation of their habitats.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Record-Breaking Great White Shark Resurfaces off Cape Hatteras
Largest Great White Shark Discovered Off Cape Hatteras
Contender the Great White Shark Resurfaces in North Carolina
Baltimore News: Community Highlights and Concerns
Contender: The Largest Recorded Great White Shark Off Florida Coast
Challenges in Spotting Orcas Along Cape Fear Coast
Discovering the Crystal Coast: A Gem of North Carolina
Discovering the Crystal Coast: A Coastal Paradise
Caution Urged for Beachgoers at Shark Island’s Phantom Sandbar
Rare Orca Sighting Near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
Additional Resources
- Fox Weather: Contender the Shark Moves Closer to North Carolina Coast
- Wikipedia: Great White Shark
- New York Post: Great White Shark Contender Moves North
- Google Search: Great White Shark Contender North Carolina
- CBS News: Biggest Great White Shark Ever Recorded
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Great White Shark
- KOMO News: Largest Great White Shark on Record Resurfaces Off NC Coast
- Google News: Great White Shark North Carolina
- Men’s Journal: Largest Recorded Shark Contender in Atlantic Ocean
- Google Search: Great White Shark Migration
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.
