Massive great white shark Contender weighs 1,653 pounds and is tracked off Nantucket

In the waters off Nantucket, Massachusetts, a great white shark named Contender, weighing 1,653 pounds, has been detected about 50 miles from the coast. This shark is notable for being the largest white shark ever tagged in the western North Atlantic Ocean by OCEARCH, a well-known marine research organization, which tagged him in January 2025. At nearly 14 feet long, Contender's migration patterns are being closely monitored to better understand the behavior of great white sharks in the region. Since his initial tagging, Contender has traveled extensively, heading south to Florida before migrating back north towards Massachusetts during the summer months. His recent ping signals that he is now moving through an area known for its rich marine life and popular tourist destinations. The ability to track Contender for about five years is anticipated to yield valuable insights into shark migration. Moreover, great white shark sightings have been increasing in the northeastern United States, highlighting the region's significance as a feeding ground. OCEARCH aims to use this opportunity to learn not only about Contender's journey but also about the population dynamics of these apex predators, contributing to ongoing conservation efforts to protect their habitats, especially as shark season peaks along the northeastern coast. The rich biodiversity in these waters makes them crucial for providing sustenance for not just sharks, but an entire marine ecosystem that includes seals and other fishes.