CAPE HATTERAS, N.C. – The largest adult male great white shark ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean has been tracked off the coast of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Named “Contender,” this impressive shark measures nearly 14 feet in length and weighs an estimated 1,653 pounds, as reported by OCEARCH, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to ocean research.
Tagged earlier this year off the coast of Florida and Georgia, Contender has provided valuable data as OCEARCH monitors his movements. His location is determined through a ping system, which requires his dorsal fin to break the water’s surface while an Argos satellite is in proximity. Over the past six months, Contender’s journey has taken him along the eastern coast of the U.S., where he has been seen migrating northward.
In March, Contender was noted swimming from Florida’s eastern coast before heading toward the North Carolina and South Carolina border in April. Most recently, he was pinged about 22 miles off Cape Hatteras. As spring transitions into summer, OCEARCH indicates that great white sharks like Contender typically migrate in search of cooler waters and areas rich in prey.
Scientists estimate that Contender is around 32 years old, reflecting the longevity that great white sharks can achieve. For those interested in tracking his journey, the OCEARCH Global Shark Tracker app allows real-time monitoring of Contender and other sharks.
This remarkable discovery not only underscores the fascinating behavior of great white sharks but also emphasizes the importance of conservation and research efforts in understanding marine life. The data collected from these migrations can contribute to better protection strategies for these apex predators.