Grayson West
The US coastline has always been home to unforgettable ocean stories, but this summer, one of them has stolen the spotlight. A giant white whale made waves across science and media, and its journey is only beginning. Curious where the story leads? Keep reading.
Tagged Near The Florida-Georgia Line
In January 2025, researchers successfully tagged a great white shark off the Florida-Georgia line, about 45 miles offshore. The winter waters created ideal conditions for shark presence, allowing OCEARCH, a nonprofit marine research group, to capture and tag the massive predator using specialized equipment.
A Brief On Great White Sharks
Great white sharks are famous for their power, size, and role in balancing marine ecosystems. They can grow over 20 feet long, live for more than 60 years, and are found in temperate waters worldwide. As top hunters, they regulate prey populations and help maintain ocean health.
Contender Is The Largest One Ever Tagged In The Atlantic
He breaks records. Contender measures 13 feet 8 inches and weighs 1,653 pounds. The OCEARCH team confirmed his title as the largest male great white in the Atlantic. Over two feet longer than average, his size sets a standard.
Likely In His Early 30s
Based on his size and physical condition, Contender is estimated to be in his early 30s. Male great whites usually mature around 26 years old, so he’s well past that stage. Also, Biological samples support the age estimate. He’s healthy, reproductively active, and plays an important role in long-term population research.
Named After A Research Vessel Sponsor
The shark was named after Contender Boats, an important OCEARCH partner. Their boat played a hands-on role in the capture and tagging process. The name points to collaboration in marine science and represents unity between science and industry. It also adds personality, making the shark’s story more engaging to the public.
His Rare Reproductive Samples
One of the biggest wins from tagging Contender was collecting urogenital tissue samples. This material helps reveal details about fertility and overall health while offering clues about the breeding potential of Atlantic males. Because reproductive data from wild males are so rare, these samples give valuable information on shark life cycles.
He Underwent A Health Assessment
Part of Contender’s tagging included a health exam. Bloodwork was taken, parasites were checked, and microbiome samples were collected to study bacteria. All of this built a complete biological profile and lifespan, providing a rare full-body analysis of a wild great white.
Traveled A Lot Since Tagging
Since being tagged, Contender has covered more than 2,400 miles across the Atlantic. His movements are tracked using SPOT tag technology, which sent its latest signal in August 2025. The journey records how great white sharks travel over long distances and change their patterns with the seasons.
He Is A Global Conservation Icon
Contender has become a global conservation icon. He’s been featured in documentaries and science media, showing the success of marine research. His story inspires public interest in protecting sharks and highlights the importance of conserving apex predators. Today, Contender is even referenced in educational campaigns around the world.
Where Is This Great White Shark Now?
In mid-July 2025, Contender was detected mid‑Atlantic off Massachusetts, about 50 miles east of Nantucket, cruising the waters between Nantucket Shoals and Georges Bank. At that time, he had traveled over 2,400 miles since being tagged in January. This latest position places him well into his northward summer migration, far from busy beaches and deep into cooler, prey-rich waters.