Meet “The Contender”: Atlantic’s Record-Breaking Male
In January 2025, marine researchers from OCEARCH tagged a male great white shark named “The Contender” off the Florida-Georgia coast near Jacksonville. Measuring nearly 14 feet in length and weighing approximately 1,653 pounds, he is the largest male great white ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean. The shark’s SPOT (Smart Position or Temperature Transmitting) tag allows scientists to monitor his movements and gather data on his migratory patterns.
Surfacing Near North Carolina’s Coast
After several weeks without a signal, The Contender’s tracker pinged again on June 7, 2025, near Pamlico Sound, a popular tourist area in North Carolina. This region is known for its rich food sources, making it an ideal stopover for great whites during their seasonal migrations. Despite his proximity to tourist destinations, experts assure the public that The Contender remains offshore and poses no immediate threat to beachgoers.
Tracking a 1,000-Mile Migration
The Contender’s journey is part of the species’ annual migration from southern overwintering areas to summer foraging grounds in the northeastern U.S. and Atlantic Canada. Researchers believe his stop near the Outer Banks serves as a critical feeding period to build energy reserves for the long journey ahead, which may exceed 1,000 miles.
OCEARCH’s Role in Shark Research
OCEARCH, a nonprofit organization dedicated to marine research, has been instrumental in tagging and tracking large marine animals like The Contender. Their efforts provide valuable real-time data on shark movements, behavior, and migration patterns, contributing to conservation strategies and public awareness.
Understanding Great White Shark Behavior
Great white sharks are apex predators that play a vital role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. By regulating prey populations, they help ensure ecological balance. Studies of sharks like The Contender offer insights into their behavior, habitat preferences, and the challenges they face due to human activities and environmental changes.
The Significance of The Contender’s Size
While The Contender is the largest male great white recorded in the Atlantic, he is not the largest overall. That title belongs to “Deep Blue,” a female great white shark estimated to be over 20 feet long and weighing approximately 4,500 pounds. Deep Blue was first spotted near Guadalupe Island, Mexico, and later off the coast of Hawaii.
Public Engagement and Awareness
The tracking of The Contender and other sharks is made accessible to the public through OCEARCH’s Global Shark Tracker. This platform allows individuals to follow the movements of tagged sharks in real-time, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of these marine creatures.
The Future of Shark Conservation
Continued research and monitoring of great white sharks are essential for their conservation. Data collected from sharks like The Contender help scientists develop strategies to protect these animals and their habitats, ensuring the health of marine ecosystems for future generations.