Largest White Shark Monitored in North Atlantic Resurfaces

OCEARCH researchers detected a signal from Contender, a 4.2 meter long, 770 kilogram white shark, near the eastern coast of the United States. The male shark had not transmitted data for months, a common occurrence with satellite tracking technology that relies on the animal surfacing. Researchers first tagged Contender off the coasts of Florida and Georgia in January 2025 and have since tracked his movements along the Carolinas, New Jersey, and Cape Cod.

The recent signal, termed a “Z-Ping,” confirms Contender is alive and moving in the North Atlantic. The tracking system uses a transmitter implanted in the dorsal fin to send location data when the shark breaks the surface.

Contender’s reappearance is noteworthy as white shark populations in the region are recovering. A 2023 study estimated around 800 white sharks visited Cape Cod waters between 2015 and 2018, attracted by a healthy seal population. Researchers will continue to monitor Contender’s movements to learn more about the species and aid in ocean conservation.