News Summary
A remarkable achievement in marine tracking has emerged with the tagging of Contender, the largest recorded great white shark in the Atlantic. At nearly 14 feet and 1,653 pounds, this 32-year-old male has shown significant migratory patterns along the U.S. eastern coastline, highlighting the importance of continued research in understanding shark behavior and protecting marine ecosystems.
Contender: The Largest Recorded Great White Shark Tagged Off Florida/Georgia Coast
OBX, North Carolina – A new record has surfaced in the coastal waters of the Atlantic with the recent tracking of Contender, the largest adult male great white shark ever recorded in this ocean. Measuring nearly 14 feet in length and weighing approximately 1,653 pounds, Contender was pinged off the coast of the Outer Banks last Saturday, approximately 22 miles from Cape Hatteras. His tracking has highlighted a significant migration pattern along the eastern U.S. coastline.
Tagged by the nonprofit research organization OCEARCH in January 2025, Contender’s movements have been monitored through pings generated when his dorsal fin breaks the water’s surface. These pings are picked up by an Argos satellite, allowing scientists to pinpoint his location in real-time. As of now, Contender is estimated to be around 32 years old, making his age notable within the species.
Recent Movements and Migration Patterns
Since his tagging, Contender has displayed a migratory behavior typical of great white sharks. His movement patterns indicate he swam northward along Florida’s eastern coast in March, confirming the species’ habit of seeking cooler, prey-rich waters during spring and early summer. By April, he was detected near the North and South Carolina border before being tracked off North Carolina’s coast last weekend.
OCEARCH operates a Global Shark Tracker app that allows the public to follow the movements of sharks like Contender in real-time. The app emphasizes the importance of tracking shark populations and understanding their migratory behaviors, which are vital to marine ecosystem health.
Challenges of Shark Tracking
Despite the advancements in science and technology, tracking such a large predatory species presents challenges. The requirement for Contender’s dorsal fin to breach the surface for a ping to occur means there can be gaps in tracking data, particularly if the shark dives deep or swims in areas where pings cannot be transmitted reliably.
Related Captures Off Cape Hatteras
Echoing Contender’s presence in the region, two fishermen, Luke Beard and Jason Rosenfeld, caught and successfully released a nearly 13-foot great white shark off Cape Hatteras. Their combined 40 years of fishing experience made this catch noteworthy, although the estimated weight of the shark, between 1,400 and 1,800 pounds, remains unverified by independent sources. The pair emphasized their commitment to releasing sharks safely, adhering to state regulations governing shark captures.
Understanding Great White Sharks in North Carolina
According to the North Carolina Sea Grant, although great white sharks can be found year-round, they are most prevalent in the winter and early spring. Their migration patterns can affect local marine ecosystems and highlight the importance of continued research and monitoring efforts to protect these majestic creatures.
As the understanding of great white shark behavior improves, scientists hope to use the data collected from sharks like Contender to foster a greater respect for the ocean’s ecology and underscore the need for sustainable practices in coastal waters. The ongoing research is crucial not only for shark conservation but also for the surrounding marine ecosystems they inhabit.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Weather: Largest Great White Shark Contender
- WTKR: Fishermen Catch Great White Shark Off Hatteras Island
- WRAL: Fishermen Catch and Release Massive Great White Shark
- Surfer: Fishermen Catch Great White Shark in North Carolina
- Wikipedia: Great White Shark
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Great White Shark
