A massive great white shark has resurfaced off the coast of North Carolina, near Cape Hatteras, thrilling researchers and shark enthusiasts alike. The shark, known as “Contender,” is the largest great white shark currently tagged and tracked in the Atlantic Ocean by OCEARCH, a global non-profit marine research group.
Measuring nearly 14 feet in length and weighing an estimated 1,653 pounds, Contender was first tagged on January 17, 2025, near the Florida-Georgia line. Since then, he has pinged multiple times along the Atlantic coast, including recent sightings this week near the Outer Banks.
These “pings” are generated by a Smart Position and Temperature Transmitting (SPOT) tag attached to the dorsal fin of the shark. The tag sends a signal to researchers when the fin breaks the surface of the water, allowing them to track the shark’s movements in near real-time. 
At over 30 years old, Contender is a mature male great white shark. His current northward migration is consistent with the species’ seasonal travel patterns. Great white sharks typically move north during warmer months in search of richer food sources.
OCEARCH emphasized the importance of each ping, noting that every data point contributes to a deeper understanding of great white shark behavior in the Northwest Atlantic. The organization encourages the public to follow these sharks through the OCEARCH Global Shark Tracker App, available on mobile and desktop platforms.
This sighting comes at a symbolic time, as the world prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the film Jaws, set around the July 4 holiday. While Contender’s presence near the U.S. East Coast is natural, it serves as a dramatic reminder of the majesty and mystery of these apex predators.
Researchers hope that continued tracking and public interest will promote efforts to protect these vital marine species. OCEARCH’s work is critical in shedding light on shark migration, behavior, and conservation needs.
