Marine researchers are once again tracking the movements of one of the largest great white sharks ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean after its satellite tag transmitted a new signal following months without a confirmed location.
The shark, named “Contender,” measures approximately 14 feet long and weighs an estimated 1,700 pounds. According to OCEARCH, the male great white was previously detected near North Carolina’s Outer Banks in April before disappearing into deeper waters for several months.
According to California Post, Contender’s GPS tag attached to its dorsal fin transmitted a partial signal on Friday. Researchers said the transmission was not strong enough to pinpoint the shark’s exact location, but it confirmed that the animal remains active after months without a reliable update.
Based on the species’ well-documented migration patterns, OCEARCH researchers believe Contender is likely making its seasonal journey north toward the waters around Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and eventually Atlantic Canada.
“White sharks in the western North Atlantic typically migrate north and spend the summer and early fall foraging in the waters of Cape Cod or Atlantic Canada,” an OCEARCH spokesperson told The Sun, according to California Post.
The spokesperson added, “These two regions offer comfortable water temperatures and an abundant food supply, in particular abundant seals and large fish species.”
Great white sharks are known to travel thousands of miles each year as they follow changing water temperatures and prey populations. While their size often captures public attention, scientists emphasize that tracking individual sharks like Contender helps researchers better understand migration patterns, habitat use, and long-term conservation of these apex predators.
According to OCEARCH’s shark tracker, researchers will continue monitoring for future satellite transmissions as Contender progresses along its expected seasonal route.
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