The largest great white shark ever documented in the Atlantic Ocean has reappeared—this time near a major U.S. tourist hotspot.
Cue the Jaws theme. Meet Contender, a massive great white shark measuring an astonishing 14 feet in length and weighing 1,653 pounds. Scientists estimate his age to be around 30 years.
Contender was initially tagged by the research group OCEARCH in January during an expedition in the North Atlantic. OCEARCH is a non-profit organization dedicated to studying large marine animals in order to improve marine ecosystem management and promote the conservation of vital habitats.
However, Contender disappeared from tracking systems for nearly a month, leaving researchers uncertain of his whereabouts during that time.
That changed on June 7, when the elusive predator resurfaced—quite literally—and has been actively on the move ever since.
So, where is Contender now?
Following his return, data showed Contender was spotted near Florida’s John F. Kennedy Space Center—an unusual location that sparked curiosity about what exactly he was doing there.
He has since changed course dramatically, heading northward to Pamlico Sound in North Carolina.
As for the reason behind this change in direction, scientists suggest it’s related to his search for food. Migration patterns in sharks are often driven by feeding needs.
Dr. Harley Newton, OCEARCH’s chief scientist and a Florida-based veterinarian, explained:
“This time of year white sharks are starting their late spring/early summer migration (16 May to 30 June) moving from their southern overwintering area to their summer/fall foraging areas in the northeastern US and Atlantic Canada.
We often see the sharks on our global shark tracker spend a period of time off the Outer Banks right before they move north, which is what white shark Contender appears to be doing.
This may be due to rich food resources in the region and would serve as a time to feed and prepare before what may be a journey of 1,000 miles or more.”
How is Contender being tracked?
To monitor Contender’s movements, researchers collect biological samples and attach a SPOT satellite tag to his dorsal fin. This tag transmits GPS data in real-time whenever he surfaces above the water.
The data is then made publicly available through OCEARCH’s Global Shark Tracker, allowing both scientists and curious onlookers to follow Contender’s journey across the ocean.
Is Contender the biggest great white shark ever?
Although Contender’s size is impressive, he isn’t the largest great white ever recorded—especially when compared to females of the species.
In fact, female great whites tend to be larger than males, with average adult females reaching 15 to 16 feet, while males typically measure 11 to 13 feet at full maturity, according to Ocean.
One legendary example is Deep Blue, believed to be the largest great white shark ever recorded. She is estimated to be 20 feet long and weigh approximately 2,000 kg (about 4,400 lbs).
Source: unilad.com