Largest Great White Shark in Atlantic Ocean Tracked Off North Carolina Coast
A massive great white shark, described as the largest recorded male in the Atlantic Ocean, has been tracked off the coast of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. According to FOX Weather, citing data from OCEARCH, a global nonprofit organisation that researches sharks, whales, sea turtles, and other ocean life, the shark, named Contender, measures nearly 14 feet in length and is estimated to weigh 1,653 pounds.
Contender was tagged off the Florida/Georgia coast in January 2025 by OCEARCH researchers. Since then, the organisation has been tracking the shark’s movements using satellite technology. For a ping to register, Contender’s dorsal fin must break water, and an Argos satellite must be nearby to record the shark’s location. According to FOX Weather, Contender’s track shows him swimming up and down the eastern coast of the U.S. over the last six months.
In March, Contender was recorded swimming from Florida’s eastern coast northward. A month later, he was pinged again, this time near North and South Carolina’s border. From there, Contender continued moving north. On June 12, 2025, Contender was pinged roughly 22 miles off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.
According to OCEARCH scientists, Contender is estimated to be about 32 years old. The nonprofit organisation said that Contender and other great whites will migrate in the spring and early summer, seeking cooler waters and more prey-dense water. As FOX Weather reported, OCEARCH provides a free Global Shark Tracker app, which allows users to track Contender and other sharks in real-time.
The shark’s massive size has garnered significant attention from researchers and marine enthusiasts. As reported by FOX Weather, Contender is the largest recorded great white male shark in the Atlantic Ocean, according to OCEARCH.
For those interested in tracking Contender’s movements, the OCEARCH Global Shark Tracker app is available for free download. This app provides users with real-time updates on the shark’s location, allowing for a unique insight into the marine life of these fascinating creatures.
In related news, there have been recent shark sightings and attacks reported along the eastern coast of the United States. A child was injured in a shark attack along southwest Florida beach, highlighting the importance of being aware of shark activity in the area.
The tracking of Contender and other sharks by OCEARCH and FOX Weather serves as a vital tool for researchers and scientists to better understand shark behaviour, migration patterns, and habitat. By providing the public with real-time data, organisations like OCEARCH aim to promote shark conservation and education.
As researchers continue to monitor Contender’s movements, they hope to gain a deeper understanding of great white shark behaviour and habitat. The data collected will contribute to the ongoing research and conservation efforts of OCEARCH and FOX Weather.
By tracking Contender and other sharks, researchers can gain valuable insights into the marine ecosystem and work towards protecting these magnificent creatures and their habitats.
