Researchers have recently spotted its largest Atlantic male white shark that was ever tagged by the marine research nonprofit, OCEARCH, off the coast of Nantucket.
Named “Contender,” the adult male shark measures an impressive 13 feet, 9 inches long and weighs 1,653 pounds. Researchers at the global nonprofit have dubbed him “the ultimate ocean warrior.”
Contender’s latest satellite ping, received Friday, July 18, placed him in the waters east of Massachusetts, specifically between Nantucket Shoals and Georges Bank.
OCEARCH originally tagged the male shark in January off the Florida-Georgia coast, approximately 45 miles offshore. This tagging initiative allows the organization to track the animal for up to five years, in hopes of learning more about the species’ migration patterns.
Since being tagged, Contender has undertaken a significant journey, swimming south to Florida before making his way northward to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. His most recent public ping prior to the Nantucket detection was off the coast of Cape Hatteras in early June.
Contender’s journey, along with other tagged sharks, can be followed here.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.