At 4.20m, the Largest Great White Shark Ever Tracked Is Heading Toward U.S. Shores

The waters of the East Coast regularly experience the presence of sharks. Recently, researchers have identified a large great white shark moving closer to the shores of the United States. Scientists are monitoring its migration to gain further understanding of the species' behavior.

Tracking the Giant: Meet ‘Contender’

In January 2025, researchers from OCEARCH tagged a male great white shark off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida, between Florida and Georgia. The shark, named Contender, measures 4.2 meters in length and weighs approximately 750 kg. Contender is the largest male great white shark tracked in the Northwestern Atlantic region to date.

Since being tagged, Contender has traveled about 3,000 kilometers across the ocean. This movement has provided researchers with data on migration and feeding patterns. The research aims to improve understanding of adult great white shark migratory behavior, which is not yet fully documented.

A Surprising Approach to Shore

Contender's journey has generally taken it away from land, but recent movements have brought it closer to shore. In early June 2025, after a month without detection, the shark was located off the coast of North Carolina, near the Pamlico Sound lagoon. This area is visited by both residents and tourists. Although Contender has not shown aggressive behavior, its proximity to a populated area has prompted experts to advise caution to beachgoers.

Contender is the largest male white shark ever caught, SPOT tagged, released and now studied in the NW Atlantic white shark population!

John Tyminski, a data specialist at OCEARCH, stated, "The chances of Contender approaching a heavily trafficked beach are relatively low, but it’s still a possibility." He explained that sharks like Contender often follow prey such as seals and schools of fish, which can bring them closer to shore. This may create a potential risk for swimmers, particularly when environmental conditions support such movements.

Ongoing Research and Migration Insights

OCEARCH researchers are monitoring Contender's path using satellite technology. The shark's tag emits signals when it surfaces, providing periodic updates on its location. While this tracking method is useful, it has limitations due to the sporadic nature of the signals. Despite these challenges, the collected data is important for understanding the long-distance movements of great white sharks, especially during the summer feeding season.

The information from Contender's journey may also help identify feeding areas where great white sharks gather. Researchers are observing locations such as Cape Cod in Massachusetts and Nova Scotia in Canada, which are known to attract large numbers of great whites during summer. By tracking Contender, scientists aim to better understand the feeding patterns and migration routes of these sharks.