News Summary
The great white shark named Contender has resurfaced off the coast of North Carolina, specifically near Cape Hatteras. This 14-foot shark, weighing 1,653 pounds, is the largest tagged great white recorded in the Atlantic. Captured and tagged by OCEARCH, Contender is now being tracked via a Smart Position and Temperature Transmitting tag. As he migrates northward in search of cooler waters and food, shark enthusiasts are excited about the potential sightings during the summer season. Tracking Contender also contributes valuable data for shark conservation efforts.
Good News for Shark Enthusiasts as Contender Resurfaces Off North Carolina Coast!
Greetings, folks of North Carolina! If you love a good story about our ocean’s magnificent creatures, you’re in for a treat today. The great white shark named Contender has resurfaced off the stunning coast of North Carolina, specifically near that iconic landmark known as Cape Hatteras. This extraordinary 14-foot male shark, weighing in at a whopping 1,653 pounds, has made quite an impression—and not just on fishermen!
Meet Contender: The Atlantic’s Heavyweight Champion
Before we dive into all the exciting stuff, let’s get to know our oceanic buddy a little better. Contender isn’t just another fish in the sea; he’s the largest tagged great white shark recorded in the Atlantic Ocean. At over 30 years old, this ocean heavyweight has been swimming around for quite some time now!
Interestingly enough, Contender was captured and tagged back in January near the Florida-Georgia coast by OCEARCH, a dedicated non-profit organization focused on marine research. Since then, he has been making quite the splash, pinging multiple times, with notable signals hitting on January 26 and February 6. How cool is that?
The Tech Behind the Tracking
Now you might be wondering how we know exactly where Contender is swimming. This isn’t just a game of guesswork! He’s equipped with a fancy gadget called a Smart Position and Temperature Transmitting tag, proudly attached to his dorsal fin. Whenever Contender surfaces, this tag sends out signals that help scientists trace his movements almost in real-time. Just imagine being able to keep tabs on such a massive creature!
Contender’s Journey: Following the Northward Migration
As we step into warmer weather, Contender is headed in the right direction. His recent movements are typical for great white sharks around this time of year. They migrate northward to seek out those cooler temperatures and, of course, the scrumptious food options that come with them. The exciting part is that many other sharks are likely to join him along the Atlantic coast.
This yearly migration aligns perfectly with the approach of summer as folks flock to the beach, and let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of a potential shark sighting! With the July 4 holiday just around the corner, we may have plenty of chances to catch glimpses of these majestic beings relaxing in the waters.
Why Tracking Matters
Besides the excitement of seeing a shark in its natural habitat, there’s a crucial element behind monitoring their movements. Each ping sent by Contender helps scientists gather important information about great white sharks and their habitats, ultimately contributing to efforts aimed at their protection. The need to understand these creatures is more pressing than ever, and each day’s data is a step toward ensuring their future.
Stay in the Loop with Technology
Want to keep an eye on Contender’s adventures? You’re in luck! You can track his movements using the OCEARCH Global Shark Tracker App, available for your iOS, Android, or even on desktop. Dive into the digital ocean and experience the thrill of following this incredible shark as he navigates the sea!
In Conclusion
There you have it, North Carolina! As we warm up towards summer, keep your eyes peeled on the horizon. Who knows? You might just catch a glimpse of Contender or another magnificent shark along our beautiful coast. Let’s celebrate these amazing creatures and remember how important it is to protect their habitats and ensure they can swim freely for generations to come!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Extreme Heat Dome Over Outer Banks and Northeastern NC
Contender: The Largest Male Great White Shark’s Migration Journey
Discover the Charm of Hatteras Island in North Carolina
Great White Shark Contender Makes Waves in Atlantic
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
Additional Resources
- USA Today: Great White Shark Tracking Resurfaced Off NC Coast
- Wikipedia: Great White Shark
- 13 News Now: Largest Recorded Great White Shark
- Google Search: Great White Shark
- Fox Weather: Largest Great White Shark Contender
- Google Scholar: Great White Shark Tracking
- MyFox8: Shark Safety Tips on the Outer Banks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Great White Shark
- Times Now News: 14-Foot Long Great White Shark Spotted
- Google News: Great White Shark News
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.



