Forty-five miles off of the Florida-Georgia coast, an incredible ocean monster was successfully caught and tagged by OCEARCH researchers. The great white shark was unlike anything the researchers had ever seen before, measuring nearly 14 feet and easily over a thousand pounds.
They named it “Contender,” an appropriate name, as it is the largest male great white ever found in the Northwest Atlantic.
Contender
After being caught and released, researchers concluded that Contender was around 30 years old. His length rivals that of a compact car at 13 feet and 9 inches long. He weighs 1,653 pounds, an incredible size for a great white shark, as most specimens found in the ocean waters of the Atlantic are much smaller, and only a few around the world in historical accounts rival his size.
As the study on him continues, he could become vital for understanding more about the species’ longevity.
Tagging Him
Once Contender was spotted in the waters, the research team made it their priority to catch and tag him in a non-invasive and safe manner. They baited drumlines to bring the shark to the research team’s boat.
After he was captured, they measured him, took samples, and attached two kinds of tracking devices. The first is for surface tracking, and the second will send depth and temperature data back to the scientists.
Why Tagging Is Important
The research team tagged Contender for important scientific study rather than just to be able to boast about such a large catch. The two tags that were attached to Contender will provide vital data to the researchers in real-time, including location, depth, temperature, and more.
This information will help researchers understand more about great white migration patterns, especially in older individuals. This data could also aid in future conservation efforts once more insight is gained.
Its Journey
After being tagged, researchers monitored Contender’s behaviors and its journey through the North Atlantic. He has been tracked over 290 miles, moving from Palm Bay to St. Augustine, Florida, and has even swam to North Carolina.
This isn’t behavior out of the ordinary, as great whites are migratory animals and will swim up from colder waters in the south to warmer feeding grounds between late spring and early summer.
Its Massive Size
The sheer size of Contender has taken the scientific community by surprise, but there are no signs of genetic abnormalities. The older a male great white shark gets, the bigger it gets. Many don’t get to become the largest they can be because they don’t typically live for long enough.
Contender is estimated to be thirty due to his size, as great whites reach 11.5 feet when they reach maturity at 26 years. He is at the peak of his reproductive age and will aid in the population’s biodiversity.
Apex Predator
Great white sharks have captivated the public for generations, and has only increased in recent decades with popular media showcasing their majesty, strength, and ferocity.
They are apex predators and play vital roles in their environments. They keep the population of other marine animals in check by preying on weaker individuals, ensuring that only the fittest pass on their genes.
The Origin Of His Name
While his name is appropriate for his size, he was actually named after Contender Boats, which is an OCEARCH partner. The tagging of the great white would not have been possible without the collaboration of the organizations, with Contender Boats providing the research vessels that OCEARCH uses.
This has enabled OCEARCH to tag more than 400 animals in the ocean, including species like sharks, whales, and turtles.
Gaining Traction
Contender’s story has gained traction and is exploding through the media. This public fascination and interest is crucial in conservation measures, aiding in changing the narrative that sharks are aggressive “man hunters.”
This interest will support further research and showcase the need for conservation as environmental threats increase and pose significant risks to marine animals.
The Future For Contender
Contender’s journey will continue to be tracked by OCEARCH and fuel further insight into these amazing animals. Updates will be given and publically available, helping Contender amass a following.
As the tags show scientists where he’s going, the question is where his journey will take him next. No matter where he goes, we’ll be along for the ride, watching with anticipation.
Explore more of our trending stories and hit Follow to keep them coming to your feed!
Don’t miss out on more stories like this! Hit the Follow button at the top of this article to stay updated with the latest news. Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!
