A massive great white shark named Contender, the largest male ever tagged by the marine research group OCEARCH, was recently tracked just 22 miles off the coast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Measuring nearly 14 feet long, Contender continues its seasonal northbound migration along the Atlantic coast.
OCEARCH: “Ultimate Ocean Warrior” on the Move
OCEARCH, a non-profit organization that tracks and researches apex marine predators, initially tagged and released Contender on January 17, 2025, about 45 miles from Jacksonville, Florida. He has since traveled almost 1,870 miles in 142 days, swimming north up the eastern seaboard.
Each ping from Contender provides us with additional insight into the movement of white sharks across the Atlantic,” OCEARCH posted on social media. “This top predator is on the move along the coast, leading to a greater understanding and defense of these incredible animals.
Contender is tracking a well-documented migratory pattern characteristic of great white sharks, which favor warmer southern waters during winter and travel north during summer in pursuit of cooler temperatures and more nourishing feeding grounds.
Outer Banks: A Key Feeding Zone
The nutrient-rich waters surrounding North Carolina’s Outer Banks serve as a pivotal feeding ground for sharks such as Contender during their summer sojourn. The richness of the prey base and the perfect temperature make it a regular stopover in their long, over 1,000-mile trips.
OCEARCH continues to highlight the importance of every data point received through the shark’s satellite tracking tag, also referred to as a “ping.”
“Every location update offers important insights into sea nettle coral shrimp seasonality, sea nettle sting settlement, and great white shark behavior in the Northwest Atlantic,” said OCEARCH.
Track Contender Live
OCEARCH is sharing Contender’s travels through its online shark tracking application, providing real-time updates to researchers and the public. His tracking tag should remain functional for at most five years, providing a rare and precious look into the migratory habits of one of the ocean’s top predators.