News Summary
Contender, the largest male great white shark tagged by OCEARCH, has traveled nearly 1,870 miles through the Atlantic. Initially tagged off Florida, his recent movements highlight the significance of tracking these majestic creatures for marine conservation efforts.
Outer Banks, North Carolina – Contender, the largest male great white shark ever tagged by marine researchers at OCEARCH, is making headlines as he continues his journey through the Atlantic Ocean. Measuring nearly 14 feet in length and weighing approximately 1,653 pounds, Contender was initially tagged on January 17, 2025, about 45 miles off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida. Since then, he has traveled an impressive distance of approximately 1,870 miles over 142 days, with his most recent ping recorded just 22 miles off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, as of June 11, 2025.
The great white shark is known for its unique seasonal migration patterns, typically moving north during the summer months and returning south for winter. The Outer Banks region serves as a popular habitat for these sharks, offering cooler waters and an abundance of prey. OCEARCH has dubbed Contender the “ultimate ocean warrior,” stressing the significance of tracking these animals for better scientific understanding.
Real-time tracking of Contender’s movements is available through OCEARCH’s public platform, allowing anyone to monitor his journey online. Each time Contender surfaces to breathe, his dorsal fin breaks the water and sends a signal to an Argos satellite, which records his location. The tracking tag affixed to Contender is designed to transmit data for up to five years, providing invaluable insights into great white shark behavior.
Estimates suggest that Contender is around 32 years old. The data gathered from his tracking not only enhances understanding of the species’ movement patterns but also contributes to research on their feeding grounds and survival strategies. This information is crucial for the conservation and protection of great white sharks, which play a pivotal role in maintaining the marine ecosystem.
The OCEARCH Global Shark Tracker app allows users to keep up with Contender and numerous other tagged sharks, making the data accessible to the general public. Recent ping activities, including updates from January 26 and February 6, revealed ongoing movement toward warmer waters, indicating a typical behavioral response as the shark seeks larger food supplies.
As great white sharks like Contender migrate, they demonstrate the intricacies of marine biology and the interconnectedness of marine life. Monitoring these creatures aids researchers in their efforts to protect the species from threats such as overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change. The information collected through tracking initiatives not only benefits great white sharks but also contributes to broader marine conservation efforts.
Researchers underscore the need for continued study of these majestic creatures, emphasizing that despite their formidable size and reputation, great white sharks face numerous challenges in their natural habitats. Understanding their movements and behaviors remains essential for preserving the species and aiming for a balanced ocean ecosystem.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Contender the Shark Approaches North Carolina Coast
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
Additional Resources
- USA Today
- Wikipedia: Great White Shark
- Fox Weather
- Google Search: Great White Shark Contender
- Money Control
- Google Scholar: Great White Shark behavior
- 13 News Now
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Great White Shark
- CBS 17
- Google News: Great White Shark Outer Banks
