INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — A familiar fin has resurfaced in the waters off Indian River County.
Contender, a male white shark tagged by OCEARCH, transmitted his latest signal at 10:35 a.m. on January 19, marking just over a year since researchers first attached a satellite tag to him.
The 13-foot, 9-inch, 1,653pound great white shark was tagged over a year ago on January 17, 2025, at 5:52 p.m. in offshore waters straddling the Florida–Georgia border. At the time, scientists classified him as a young-of-the-year juvenile transitioning into sub-adulthood — a stage when white sharks begin expanding their range and adopting more independent hunting patterns.
Since tagging, Contender has contributed valuable movement data as he travels through the dynamic marine habitats of the Western Atlantic. Each satellite “ping” helps researchers map his route, seasonal behavior, and potential interactions with coastal ecosystems, according to OCEARCH.
January 23, 2026 – A young male great white shark named Contender, tagged by OCEARCH, pinged off Indian River County on January 19, marking just over a year since researchers first tagged him near the Florida‑Georgia border and helping scientists track his movement to better understand shark behavior, migration, and ocean health. (OCEARCH)
On January 19, Contender generated two signals off the Treasure Coast. OCEARCH said these transmissions confirm he remains active in the region, continuing the journey that OCEARCH scientists were monitoring for over 12 months.
See also: 1,000-pound great white shark caught from shore along popular Florida beach
Comment with Bubbles
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
Marine biologists say sharks like Contender play an essential ecological role, and tracking their movements is key to understanding predator-prey dynamics, migration corridors, and overall ocean health.