The East Coast waters are no strangers to the existence of sharks, but recent discoveries have attracted the attention of both scientists and beach fans. Unlike previously recorded size and movement, there are currently giant predators approaching the US coast. Researchers now hope to uncover critical insights into the actions of one of the ocean's most feared and majestic creatures, and are closely monitoring their movements.
Track the Giants: Meet the “Choices”
In January 2025, researchers at the OCaarch organization tagged an incredible male great white shark off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida, between Florida and Georgia. A named candidate, this adult shark measures an extraordinary 4.2 meters long and weighs an estimated 750 kg. Only that size makes the competition stand out, as it is the greatest white shark of the largest male tracked in the Northwest Atlantic region.
Since being tagged, Contender has travelled about 3,000 kilometers across the ocean, providing scientists with valuable data on its migration and feeding patterns. This study is extremely important as it helps experts understand the migration behavior of great white sharks in adults.
Amazing approach to the coast
While candidates' journeys have mostly taken it further from the land, recent moves have raised concerns among local governments and experts. In early June 2025, after a month's absence from the radar, the shark was again detected off the coast of North Carolina. However, this time it was far closer to the coast near Pamlico Sound Lagoon, an area that is frequently visited by both locals and tourists. Although the candidates have not shown aggressive behavior, their proximity to such a large population has led experts to issue warning statements to beach fans.
Oceanarch data specialist John Tyminski reassured the public by saying, “It's relatively unlikely to approach a trafficked beach, but it's still very likely.” He went on to explain that sharks, like competitors, can make their prey movements (such as seals and schools of fish) closer to the coast. This creates potential risks for swimmers, especially when environmental conditions support such movements.
Ongoing research and transition insights
Ocearch researchers use satellite technology to closely monitor competitors' paths. Shark tags emit signals each time they surface, providing intermittent updates about their location. This tracking method is invaluable, but the signal is sporadic and therefore not without limitations. Despite these challenges, the data collected so far is important for understanding long distance movements of great white sharks, especially during the summer feeding season.
Data collected from Contender's journey can also shed light on feeding hotspots where Great White gathers. For example, researchers have looked closely at areas like Cape Cod in Massachusetts and Nova Scotia in Canada. By tracking the movement of the Contender, scientists want to acquire a clearer picture of the feeding patterns and travel routes of these elusive predators.
