Marine researchers at OCEARCH have confirmed that Contender, the largest male great white shark ever recorded in the Atlantic, is currently swimming near Pamlico Sound, North Carolina — a popular summer vacation destination. The 14-foot, 1,653-pound shark, estimated to be around 30 years old, is breaking size expectations for his gender and attracting international attention from scientists and the public.
Tagged in Florida, Resurfacing in North Carolina
OCEARCH first tagged Contender in January 2025, about 45 miles (72.42 km) off the Florida-Georgia coast near Jacksonville. The process involved briefly capturing the shark alongside a research vessel, collecting biological samples, and attaching a SPOT satellite tag to his dorsal fin. This tag sends real-time GPS coordinates whenever the fin surfaces above water, making his movements visible to researchers and the public.
After disappearing from tracking for nearly a month — likely due to extended periods underwater — Contender reappeared in early June north of Cape Hatteras. Dr. Harley Newton, OCEARCH’s chief scientist, says his stopover is likely linked to “rich food resources in the region” that allow him to build energy reserves before a possible 1,000-mile migration to summer foraging areas in the northeastern US and Atlantic Canada.
Climate Change May Be Shifting Migration Patterns
While great white sharks have long been known to migrate seasonally, marine biologists believe climate change is altering traditional migration routes. Warming waters can push prey species closer to shore, drawing apex predators like Contender into nearshore environments frequented by swimmers, surfers, and boaters.
Dr. Eliza Thornton, a marine biologist monitoring the shark’s movements, notes, “We’re seeing unprecedented behavior from these animals… their movement patterns are changing in ways that suggest direct responses to environmental shifts.”
This is consistent with other documented marine changes, including altered fish spawning grounds and earlier migration of various ocean species. Such shifts are creating new challenges for both marine conservation and public safety.
Balancing Safety With Conservation
Though great white shark encounters with humans remain rare, their presence near high-traffic beaches demands careful monitoring. OCEARCH’s global shark tracker offers a public view of tagged shark movements, allowing coastal communities to adjust safety protocols when necessary. This real-time data also plays a crucial role in protecting critical habitats from overfishing and human disturbance.
Researchers stress that great white sharks are vital to ocean ecosystems, regulating prey populations and maintaining balance in marine food webs. Data from Contender and other tagged individuals could help refine policies aimed at preserving these apex predators while reducing risks to coastal tourism economies.
