A massive visitor is currently navigating the waters off the Treasure Coast, making headlines as the largest male great white shark ever tagged by the renowned research group OCEARCH. Known as “Contender,” this impressive apex predator recently signaled his presence right here in our local area, with his tracking device sending a “ping” northeast of Vero Beach on January 19, 2025.
Weighing in at a staggering 1,653 pounds and measuring 13 feet, 9 inches in length, Contender is not just another fish in the sea; he represents a significant milestone in shark research. According to OCEARCH scientists, he is the largest male specimen they have sampled, tagged, and released in the Northwest Atlantic white shark population to date.
The shark was originally tagged off the Florida-Georgia border in mid-January 2025. Since then, he has been cruising steadily southward along Florida’s east coast. Before his location data registered near Vero Beach, Contender was tracked passing Jacksonville Beach, St. Augustine, Bethune Beach, and the Space Force station in Brevard County.
“Contender is the largest male white shark the OCEARCH team has sampled, tagged, released and studied to date in the NW Atlantic white shark population! So he’s pretty special,” said Nicole Ralson, OCEARCH chief marketing officer.
For those wondering how the tracking works, a “ping” occurs when the satellite tag affixed to the shark’s dorsal fin breaks the surface of the water for a sufficient amount of time to transmit location data to the research satellites. This technology allows scientists—and the public—to follow the migration patterns of these ocean giants.
While the presence of a great white shark near Indian River County might sound alarming to some, experts note that it is not unusual for this time of year. White sharks typically begin a seasonal migration in the fall, traveling from summer feeding grounds in New England and Canada down to Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. They make this journey to overwinter in warmer waters where food sources remain consistent.
Contender is a mature male shark, and his size is truly formidable. For context, while white sharks are born at about 4 feet long, adults can grow up to 20 feet and weigh over 4,000 pounds. While Contender holds the title for the largest male tagged by the group, the largest white shark ever tagged by OCEARCH remains “Nukumi,” a female weighing 3,541 pounds who was tagged in 2020.
OCEARCH is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to studying the ocean’s giants to help scientists collect previously unattainable data. Their work is crucial for understanding the life cycles of these keystone species, which are essential for maintaining the health of our oceans.
Residents and visitors on the Treasure Coast interested in following Contender’s journey can view his movements on the OCEARCH shark tracker. As of his last update, he continues to navigate the Atlantic waters, contributing vital information to marine science while exploring the coast of Florida.
Quick Facts About Great White Sharks in Florida:
