In a breakthrough moment for ocean research, the non-profit group OCEARCH has tagged the largest male great white shark ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean — a discovery that could transform our understanding of shark behavior and conservation.
On January 17, 2025, the massive predator — now named “Contender” — was safely captured and tagged off Florida’s east coast, marking a major milestone in the study of these elusive giants.
A Record-Breaker in Every Sense
At 13 feet 9 inches long and weighing 1,653 pounds, Contender has already stunned researchers with his size. He was located approximately 45 miles offshore, where OCEARCH scientists used safe and precise methods to collect data before tagging and releasing him.
“At nearly 14 feet, he’s likely just beginning his reproductive life,” explains Dr. Harley Newton, chief veterinarian at OCEARCH.
According to Newton, male great whites mature at about 11.5 feet and 26 years old, making Contender — likely in his early 30s — a rare and valuable biological subject.
High-Tech Tags to Unlock Hidden Ocean Lives
To understand how great white sharks behave and migrate, the team used two types of satellite tags:
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SPOT (Smart Position and Temperature) Tag – attached to his dorsal fin to send GPS data when he surfaces
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PSAT (Pop-up Satellite Archival Tag) – records diving depth, temperature, and underwater behavior over six months
These advanced tools let scientists track Contender’s movements in near real-time, giving the public a front-row seat to a great white’s journey via OCEARCH’s free tracker apps.
More Than Just Size: Why This Matters
Contender’s value isn’t limited to his record-breaking stats. The OCEARCH team collected comprehensive biological samples, including rare specimens from his urogenital system — which could yield critical insights into shark health, reproduction, and genetics.
Since being tagged, Contender has already traveled 292 miles south, with tracking data placing him recently near St. Augustine, Florida. His journey offers a unique look at the range and habits of these top predators.
Why Scientists Are So Excited
Shark populations in the Atlantic — and around the world — are in trouble. Mature specimens like Contender are incredibly rare, and tagging them helps researchers:
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Study mating and birthing zones
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Understand migration patterns
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Identify areas in need of environmental protection
Just like rare deep-sea discoveries change how we see marine ecosystems, each tagged shark helps complete the puzzle of how to save them.
What Comes Next for Contender?
Contender is now part of OCEARCH’s Western North Atlantic white shark study, which has tagged 95 sharks to date. After six months, his PSAT tag will detach and float to the surface, transmitting detailed logs of his underwater travels.
This long-term data will combine with surface tracking to offer a never-before-seen 360° profile of how great whites live, hunt, and adapt to changing oceans.
A Powerful Symbol of Ocean Survival
As Contender continues to glide silently through the Atlantic — tracked by satellites and followed by thousands worldwide — he represents something bigger than himself.
He’s a living symbol of our ocean’s ancient power, and a reminder of what’s still worth protecting.
Want to follow Contender’s journey in real-time?
Download the free tracker at OCEARCH.org