Largest Male Great White Shark Recorded Near North Carolina Coast

Contender, the largest male great white shark ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean, has recently been tracked near North Carolina's Outer Banks, a popular tourist area. Tagged by the nonprofit organization OCEARCH in January off the Florida-Georgia coast, Contender measures nearly 14 feet long, weighs approximately 1,653 pounds, and is estimated to be around 30 to 32 years old. After disappearing from tracking for several weeks, the shark resurfaced near Pamlico Sound, following a migration pattern typical for great whites moving from southern overwintering areas to northern foraging grounds in the northeastern U.S. and Atlantic Canada. Researchers use satellite tags to monitor Contender's movements, which provide valuable real-time data to help understand shark migration and support conservation efforts. Scientists believe Contender's recent presence off the Outer Banks is linked to rich food resources, as the shark prepares for a potential long journey of over 1,000 miles. This ongoing research contributes to understanding the species' behavior and the importance of protecting critical marine habitats.