World’s Biggest Male Great White Shark Detected Again
Contender — the largest male great white shark ever recorded in the Atlantic — has surfaced once again, this time off the coast of Atlantic City, New Jersey, according to new tracking data from OCEARCH.
The massive adult shark was originally tagged by OCEARCH researchers in January near the Florida–Georgia coastline. Weighing an astonishing 1,653 pounds and measuring 13 feet in length, Contender is estimated to be around 32 years old, making him one of the most impressive sharks ever documented by the nonprofit organization.
OCEARCH, known for tracking large marine predators to enhance scientific understanding of ocean ecosystems, has monitored Contender’s extensive movements throughout the year. Since being tagged, the shark has migrated all the way from Florida to Canada, following typical great white migratory patterns along the East Coast.
A Year of Long-Distance Travel
April–June: Contender spent several months near the Outer Banks of North Carolina, with one notable ping 22 miles off Cape Hatteras.
July: He continued north and was detected off the coast of Massachusetts.
Late September: After a period of no recorded activity, he resurfaced south of Pointe-Parent, Quebec, in Canadian waters.
Oct. 27–29: Multiple pings showed him moving south again during fall migration.
Most recent ping: This week, Contender appeared several miles off Atlantic City, signaling his return toward warmer waters.
How Shark Tracking Works
For a location “ping” to register, the shark’s dorsal fin must break the water’s surface, allowing an orbiting Argos satellite to capture the signal. Each ping helps researchers better understand shark behavior and long-term migratory routes.
“Each ping adds another clue to the puzzle of white shark migration in the Western North Atlantic—and our team is tracking every move,” OCEARCH said in a statement.
Where Is Contender Headed Next?
Researchers believe Contender is likely making his way back toward Florida, where warmer waters and abundant food sources support great white activity during the winter months. However, his exact path remains unpredictable — and scientists are watching closely to see where he will appear next.
