Massive Great White Shark Reemerges Off Southern New Jersey Coast
Contender’s Remarkable Journey
The largest male great white shark ever tagged in the Atlantic, known as Contender, has reappeared in southern New Jersey waters, according to OCEARCH, a research organization dedicated to studying marine life. The nearly 14-foot-long shark was initially tagged in January while swimming near the Florida-Georgia border, and since then, it has traveled over 4,300 miles.
Contender’s movements have been meticulously tracked, with the shark making notable progress up the Atlantic Coast during the summer. By late September, he reached waters near Newfoundland, Canada. After a brief stay around Nova Scotia in late October, Contender began heading south again. As of November 12, his tracker indicated that he was off the coast of Atlantic City, where he weighed in at an impressive 1,650 pounds.
Other Sharks on the Move
Contender is not navigating these waters alstart. OCEARCH has also confirmed that another tagged shark, a 12-foot female named Ernest, has been making significant moves as well. After being tagged during an expedition in Nova Scotia in October, Ernest has now reached the Florida Keys, following her last known location near the Florida-Georgia border.
OCEARCH reported that other shark species, including tiger sharks and hammerheads, are also being tracked along the Atlantic coast. This increase in shark activity comes as great whites typically migrate south in search of warmer waters after spending the summer in cooler, prey-rich environments.
Rising Shark Sightings
This year, sightings of sharks, including great whites, have heightened along the Maine and Canadian coasts, resulting in some beach closures and safety warnings. However, human-shark interactions remain rare, highlighting the importance of monitoring their movements for ongoing research and public safety.
Scientists have noted a burgeoning population of great white sharks in the Atlantic, making efforts like those of OCEARCH critical for understanding their behaviors and migration patterns. Tracking data from each tagged shark can be accessed online, aiding further research into these majestic predators.
“Each ping adds another clue to the puzzle of white shark migration-and our team is tracking every move,” OCEARCH stated on social media.
For those interested in exploring the wonders of marine life or even planning a trip along the beautiful New Jersey coast, book your stay now to enjoy the coastal experience.