News Summary
A significant milestone in marine research has been achieved with the detection of the largest great white shark ever tagged in the western North Atlantic. Named ‘Contender’, this 1,653-pound shark was tracked off Nantucket after being tagged by OCEARCH. His journey from Georgia through Florida and up to Nantucket has provided invaluable data on migratory patterns, contributing to better understanding of great white sharks in New England waters.
Nantucket, Massachusetts – A remarkable event in marine research has occurred as the largest great white shark ever tagged in the western North Atlantic Ocean has been detected off the coast of Nantucket. Named “Contender,” this impressive male shark weighs a staggering 1,653 pounds and measures nearly 14 feet in length. Contender was tagged by OCEARCH on January 17, 2025, off the coast of Georgia, and since then, researchers have been tracking his movements to gather valuable data on shark migration patterns.
After being tagged, Contender made a significant journey that took him from the waters of Georgia to Florida and eventually north to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. His last known location ping occurred on July 18, 2025, in waters situated approximately 50 miles off Nantucket. A brief communication was also recorded on July 24, but the shark did not come to the surface long enough for a precise position determination. The tracking device is designed to relay data for about five years, allowing researchers to study his migratory behaviors and better understand the life cycle of great white sharks.
OCEARCH’s research efforts aim to provide critical insights into the behavior of these apex predators, which play an essential role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. Great white sharks help control prey populations, contributing to the health of ocean environments. The organization has tagged a total of 446 animals during 48 expeditions, enhancing the understanding of marine wildlife.
Notably, Contender’s weight and length mark him as an outlier among adult male great white sharks, which typically range from 11 to 13 feet in length. The next largest male sharks tagged by OCEARCH are ‘Mahone,’ at 13 feet 7 inches, and ‘Bob,’ at 13 feet 4 inches. Contender is estimated to be around 32 years old, which falls within the typical lifespan of great white sharks that can live up to 30 to 40 years, with some even reaching 70 years.
The presence of great white sharks in New England waters has seen an increase, attributed to the rebounding population of gray seals, a primary food source for these sharks. Furthermore, researchers suggest that climate change might be influencing the distribution patterns of white sharks along the Atlantic coast, impacting their migratory routes and feeding behaviors.
As shark season continues in Massachusetts, which began in May, beachgoers have been advised to remain vigilant following reports of white shark sightings and the presence of seals along the coastline. In a notable incident, a separate 20-foot great white shark was spotted off Block Island, Rhode Island, evoking comparisons to the fictional shark from the film “Jaws.” Additionally, there have been two recent sightings of great whites off Bailey Island in Casco Bay, Maine, prompting public safety warnings for beach visitors.
OCEARCH employs a Smart Position and Temperature Transmitting (SPOT) tag to monitor sharks like Contender. This technology enables real-time tracking via satellite, providing an accessible public tracker on the OCEARCH website. Users can follow Contender’s journey as new data is collected, offering a unique opportunity for people to engage with marine science.
The research conducted by OCEARCH and similar organizations is instrumental in enhancing the understanding of great white shark behavior and conservation, positioning these efforts as vital to the sustainability of marine life and the ecosystems they inhabit.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Great White Shark Contender Resurfaces Off North Carolina
Virginia Fisherman Breaks North Carolina Almaco Jack Record
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Contender: The Largest Male Great White Shark’s Migration Journey
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Great White Shark Contender Makes Waves in Atlantic
Contender the Shark Approaches North Carolina Coast
Additional Resources
- Newsweek: Great White Shark Off Massachusetts Coast
- Cape Cod Times: Contender Shark Tagging
- WTNH: Great White Shark Pinged Off Nantucket
- Fox News: Largest Great White Shark Spotted
- Wikipedia: Great White Shark
- People: Largest Great White Shark Ever Recorded
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.
