While Vero Beach residents are accustomed to the annual influx of winter residents seeking refuge from the cold, a recent visitor to our local waters is making waves for a slightly different reason. According to tracking data, a massive great white shark has been detected navigating the waters directly off the coast of Indian River County this week.
The male shark, named Contender, is a formidable specimen, measuring 13 feet, 9 inches in length and weighing a staggering 1,653 pounds. He is currently being tracked by OCEARCH, a global non-profit organization focused on ocean research and marine giant conservation.
Like many who find their way to the Treasure Coast during the winter months, Contender has traveled a significant distance to enjoy our moderate climate. Tracking data reveals that he has covered 5,294 miles over the last 367 days. His migratory path is impressive, having taken him as far north as the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the coast of Quebec in Canada before he turned south to patrol the Florida coastline.
Contender was originally tagged by researchers on January 17, 2025, approximately 45 miles off the Florida/Georgia border. The scientists equipped him with a specialized SPOT tag to monitor his behaviors and gathered biological samples to better understand the health of the species.
“The SPOT tag deployed on Contender will provide valuable real-time data for approximately five years, helping us track his movements and understand his migration patterns. Additionally, we’ve collected important biological samples, including urogenital material, which are currently being analyzed.”
Named in honor of Contender Boats, a partner of the research group, this apex predator’s presence serves as a fascinating reminder of the diverse marine ecosystem thriving just offshore. While the presence of a great white may sound alarming to some, these animals are vital to the health of our oceans, and tracking their movements helps scientists ensure their future survival.
