A massive male great white shark, known as Contender, the largest ever recorded in the Atlantic, has reappeared following a period of absence, raising concerns that it might be moving towards popular coastal areas. The shark, measuring 14 feet and weighing an impressive 750kg, went missing from satellite tracking after its last detection off the Outer Banks of North Carolina in the USA in April. However, researchers have recently detected a new signal from its tracking tag, generating renewed interest in its potential whereabouts.
Initially tagged by research group OCEARCH about 45 miles off the coast of Georgia and Florida in January 2025, the shark has journeyed over 7,000 miles along the eastern coastline of North America. The latest signal was received on June 7, described as a weak “Z-ping” due to the tracking device not being above the water surface long enough to pinpoint an exact location.
Experts speculate that Contender may now be on its way for seasonal migration towards Cape Cod or Atlantic Canada, regions known for their popular seaside destinations. White sharks in the western North Atlantic typically head north during this time of year to forage in the waters of Cape Cod or Atlantic Canada, offering suitable water temperatures and abundant food supply, particularly seals and large fish species.
The tracking tag on the shark’s fin can only transmit a location when it briefly breaches the water’s surface, leading to intermittent signals such as the recent Z-ping detected on July 7. Since being tagged, the predator has traveled extensively, from Florida waters to the Gulf of St Lawrence in Canada. OCEARCH had previously identified Contender as the largest male great white shark tagged in the Atlantic, noting its movements towards deeper Atlantic waters, possibly indicating breeding behavior.
According to OCEARCH’s senior data scientist John Tyminski, the sudden shift in movement could be attributed to foraging in deeper waters or potentially linked to reproductive activities during this time of the year. Great white sharks have been a part of the world’s oceans for over 400 million years, and OCEARCH aims to gain insights into their behavior, migration patterns, and breeding habitats through the tracking of Contender.
Researchers anticipate that monitoring the shark’s movements will offer valuable insights into understanding the migration, behavior, and potential breeding patterns of great white sharks, aiding in their conservation efforts.