Largest great white tagged in Atlantic heads north
A 4.3-metre, 750kg great white shark named Contender is moving towards a popular coastal destination in the United States. Researchers tagged Contender in January 2025, 72km off the Florida-Georgia coast near Jacksonville. The non-profit research group OCEARCH led the tagging operation.
Shark surfaces after month-long silence
The shark’s tracker resurfaced in early June off Pamlico Sound, North Carolina. OCEARCH uses SPOT satellite tags which transmit data when the dorsal fin surfaces. The tracker had not pinged for nearly a month until the recent transmission north of the Outer Banks.
Figure 1: Contender, the largest great white tagged in the Atlantic
Annual migration underway
OCEARCH’s lead veterinarian Dr Harley Newton explained the migration as seasonal. “This time of year white sharks are starting their late spring/early summer migration (May 16 to June 30),” she said. “They move from their southern overwintering area to their summer/fall foraging areas in the northeastern US and Atlantic Canada.”
Critical stopover for feeding
Contender’s route includes a critical feeding area. “This may be due to rich food resources in the region and would serve as a time to feed,” Newton said. She added that it prepares the shark “before what may be a journey of 1,000 miles or more.”
Tracker reveals migration in real-time
The satellite tag offers real-time tracking to scientists and the public. Contender’s recent ping was just 35km off Cape Hatteras on 11 June. The migration follows a pattern observed in previous white shark tracking.
The largest great white shark ever documented by scientists in the Atlantic, aptly dubbed Contender, is making waves as it heads towards a US holiday hotspot 🦈
#greatwhite #dailyexpress pic.twitter.com/CqKnxhqQ0M
— Daily Express (@Daily_Express) June 11, 2025
Great whites follow seasonal feeding paths
OCEARCH reported that great whites winter in warmer southern waters. They then migrate north to “cooler, more prey-dense waters” near Canada during the summer. The Outer Banks serve as a regular stopover on the route due to its marine life.
Research advances shark conservation
Contender is the largest male white shark OCEARCH has tagged in the Atlantic. Dr Newton confirmed tagging involved capturing the shark alongside the vessel and collecting biological samples. The data provides crucial information to support global shark conservation efforts.
White sharks face environmental threats
Great white sharks regulate prey populations in marine ecosystems. OCEARCH noted their threats include overfishing, habitat degradation and changing ocean temperatures. Tracking efforts offer insight into how the species adapts to environmental shifts.
Public interest boosts conservation awareness
Contender’s journey has drawn wide public attention. Millions follow the shark’s progress through OCEARCH’s global tracker online. “Every ping helps us get one step closer to understanding and protecting these incredible animals,” the group said.
This is when Ocean Ramsey and her team encountered what is possibly the largest great white shark ever recorded, approximately 6 meters long (~ 20 feet)https://t.co/qkA1XqqqiG
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) October 26, 2023
Tag will transmit for years
Contender’s tracker is designed to function for about five years. The system will record positional data each time the dorsal fin breaks the water’s surface. The information contributes to an expanding body of research on white shark movement.
Longest recorded journeys span thousands of kilometres
OCEARCH stated that great whites like Contender can cover over 1,600km during their seasonal migration. The sharks remain near the coast before crossing into cooler waters with increased food density. The migration enables scientists to identify feeding patterns and ecological needs.
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Atlantic tracking builds regional data
Contender’s migration adds to over a decade of research conducted by OCEARCH. The group has tagged dozens of white sharks in the North Atlantic since 2007. Data helps protect marine environments critical to shark populations.
Future observations expected in northern waters
Researchers expect Contender to continue moving along the Atlantic coast towards northeastern US and Canadian waters. OCEARCH will continue to monitor the route using the SPOT tracking system. The migration will inform ongoing conservation strategies and habitat protection plans.
Focus on education and scientific outreach
OCEARCH also uses the data to promote marine education. The group partners with institutions to share findings and inform the public. Real-time shark tracking is part of their broader educational outreach.
Great white shark movements shape future research
Contender’s journey highlights the importance of long-term tagging initiatives. The findings shape policies and support future marine research investment. Data from Contender and other sharks will influence regional conservation decisions.
