World's biggest shark tracker live as 14ft monster mapped after tourist alert
"Contender", the world's largest great white shark, is being tracked by scientists at OCEARCH, and the predator can now be followed on their fascinating Global Shark Tracker app
Users across the globe can follow the movements of the world's largest 14-ft great white shark - which has already covered an epic 1,870 miles.
Scientists at OCEARCH, a non-profit organisation that researches large marine animals, have been tracking "Contender", the 30-year-old adult male shark, since January.
The predator was first tagged in the North Atlantic, 45 miles off the Florida-Georgia coast, off Jacksonville. The beast is a staggering 13ft and 9 inches long and estimated to weigh a whopping 1653 lbs.
It took six people, including three fishermen and scientists, to tag and release "Contender", which is then electronically tracked through the Argos satellite system, according to Dr Harley Newton, OCEARCH Chief Scientist & Veterinarian.
The predator can be tracked through OCEARCH's Global Shark Tracker app, where anyone can follow the animal as it moves. The animal has been pinged several times, including on January 26 and February 6, which means the tag attached to the fin was spotted above the surface for a brief period of time as it swam. It was last pinged on June 7.
Dr Newton told The Mirror: "The team that tags and releases the animals is composed of 3 fishermen and 3 scientists, so 6 people total. After tag and release the tag reports in electronically through the Argos satellite system and one person, our Senior Data Scientist keeps track of the animal movements.
"But that information is shared opening through our Global Shark Tracker app and anyone can follow these animals as they move.
"The challenges with tagging and release are what you would expect for research that involves fishing. The weather windows are short and sometimes far between in the winter in the southeastern US, so that's our biggest challenge.
"Though we choose the locations we fish based on water temperatures, bottom structure and other oceanographic features that we believe white sharks prefer, there is never a guarantee that there is a white shark in the area. We at times encounter large white sharks that choose to only investigate our boat but aren't interested in the bait we have to offer, avoiding capture.
"After tagging the biggest challenge is whether the animal will surface long enough to allow the satellite linked tag we put on the dorsal fin to communicate and give a location. This can also be impacted by growth of algae and other material on the surface of the tag which can increase with time or if the animal spends a lot of time in warm water."
According to the expert, Contender could visit many places in the Northeastern US and Canada, including some tourist hotspots. Although there are "two primary locations" where he might be spotted in the summer, it remains an exciting mystery.
Dr Newton added: "This the exciting question about Contender, as this is the first season we will be able to watch him migrate to a summer/fall foraging area.
"Although there are many places in the Northeastern US and Canada where he could go, there are two primary locations where many white sharks spend the summer: Cape Cod, Massachusetts or Nova Scotia, Canada.
"We won't know until he shows us, which is all the more reason to follow him on the tracker."
The shark can be tracked here.
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Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
Scientist tracking 'biggest ever' shark gives urgent warning to tourists
Dr Harley Newton, chief scientist and veterinarian for OCEARCH, from Jacksonville, Florida, has dedicated her career to studying sharks - including 14ft Contender A scientist tracking the world's largest 14ft great white shark has warned tourists to avoid wearing one particular item when it comes to escaping predators. "Contender", a 30-year-old male predator, was tagged in the North Atlantic by OCEARCH, a non-profit research organisation, 45 miles off the Florida-Georgia coast, off Jacksonville in January. The beast later pinged in Pamlico Sound in North Carolina earlier this month. Dr Harley Newton, chief scientist and veterinarian for OCEARCH, from Jacksonville, Florida, has dedicated her career to studying sharks - including Contender - and educating the public. The expert has revealed the surprising thing you should avoid wearing when swimming in the ocean - and what do to if you do come face to face with a predator. Her advice includes avoiding dawn and dusk swims, staying close to shore, swimming with a buddy, and avoid wearing "shiny" objects like jewellery. She also warned tourists to maintain visual contact if you spot a shark, backing away slowly while facing it. While shark attacks are rare, she stresses awareness and respect for the ocean. "The ocean is a wild place," Dr Newton said. "If you see schools of fish, particularly if they're jumping out of the water, that might be something that you want to move away from because that's going to be very attractive for sharks, and it might help you avoid an accident or an incident." There have been a number of other reports of shark incidents in recent days - including a nine-year-old girl nearly had her hand bitten off near Boca Grande, Florida. While shark attacks are extremely rare, Dr. Newton advises that maintaining visual contact with an aggressive shark is crucial for safety. As a last resort, striking the shark's nose may deter it; however, this should only be attempted if necessary. According to Dr. Newton, bull sharks and tiger sharks are considered among the most dangerous species due to their size, strength, and habitat preferences that bring them into contact with humans. She notes that all sharks should be treated with caution and respect. Dr Newton is passionate about correcting myths about sharks. Contrary to popular belief, sharks can get cancer, and they can't actually smell blood from miles away - the max distance the length of an Olympic-size swimming pool. They are also not mindless man-eaters seeking human prey. "They are most often looking for prey or typical prey items when there are interactions with humans," Dr. Newton said. "They're not out there actively looking for humans. They're looking for the typical prey that they would want to eat." OCEARCH's tracking of Contender has also provided valuable data about great white shark migration patterns. Its movements from Florida northward along the Atlantic coast have provided researchers with unprecedented insights into the behavior of adult male sharks. "Catching an adult male shark in January was a new data point for us," Dr. Newton noted. "We were really excited to catch him, tag him, sample him, and release him." This tracking effort helps scientists understand shark habitat use and identify areas where human and shark activities overlap, potentially reducing the risk of negative interactions between them. The ongoing monitoring of Contender and other sharks contributes to both conservation efforts and public safety by providing real-time data about shark movements and behavior patterns. This knowledge allows for more informed beach management decisions and helps educate the public about sharing the ocean with these apex predators. As summer approaches and more people head to beaches along the Atlantic coast, Dr. Newton emphasizes that awareness and respect for the ocean environment are key to staying safe. "Understanding that we're entering their habitat is important," Dr. Newton said. She added: "Sharks play a vital role in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems, and with some simple precautions, we can safely enjoy the water while respecting these magnificent animals that have been evolving for over 400 million years." TIPS Avoid swimming at dawn or dusk when sharks are most active and hunting Stay close to shore where you can quickly exit the water if needed Always swim with a buddy rather than venturing into the ocean alone Remove shiny jewelry or accessories that might resemble fish scales and attract sharks Be aware of your surroundings, especially schools of fish jumping out of water, which could indicate predator presence Move away from areas with fishing activity, as bait and injured fish can attract sharks Maintain visual contact if you spot a shark, backing away slowly while facing it
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
World's biggest shark tracker live as 14ft monster mapped after tourist alert
"Contender", the world's largest great white shark, is being tracked by scientists at OCEARCH, and the predator can now be followed on their fascinating Global Shark Tracker app Users across the globe can follow the movements of the world's largest 14-ft great white shark - which has already covered an epic 1,870 miles. Scientists at OCEARCH, a non-profit organisation that researches large marine animals, have been tracking "Contender", the 30-year-old adult male shark, since January. The predator was first tagged in the North Atlantic, 45 miles off the Florida-Georgia coast, off Jacksonville. The beast is a staggering 13ft and 9 inches long and estimated to weigh a whopping 1653 lbs. It took six people, including three fishermen and scientists, to tag and release "Contender", which is then electronically tracked through the Argos satellite system, according to Dr Harley Newton, OCEARCH Chief Scientist & Veterinarian. The predator can be tracked through OCEARCH's Global Shark Tracker app, where anyone can follow the animal as it moves. The animal has been pinged several times, including on January 26 and February 6, which means the tag attached to the fin was spotted above the surface for a brief period of time as it swam. It was last pinged on June 7. Dr Newton told The Mirror: "The team that tags and releases the animals is composed of 3 fishermen and 3 scientists, so 6 people total. After tag and release the tag reports in electronically through the Argos satellite system and one person, our Senior Data Scientist keeps track of the animal movements. "But that information is shared opening through our Global Shark Tracker app and anyone can follow these animals as they move. "The challenges with tagging and release are what you would expect for research that involves fishing. The weather windows are short and sometimes far between in the winter in the southeastern US, so that's our biggest challenge. "Though we choose the locations we fish based on water temperatures, bottom structure and other oceanographic features that we believe white sharks prefer, there is never a guarantee that there is a white shark in the area. We at times encounter large white sharks that choose to only investigate our boat but aren't interested in the bait we have to offer, avoiding capture. "After tagging the biggest challenge is whether the animal will surface long enough to allow the satellite linked tag we put on the dorsal fin to communicate and give a location. This can also be impacted by growth of algae and other material on the surface of the tag which can increase with time or if the animal spends a lot of time in warm water." According to the expert, Contender could visit many places in the Northeastern US and Canada, including some tourist hotspots. Although there are "two primary locations" where he might be spotted in the summer, it remains an exciting mystery. Dr Newton added: "This the exciting question about Contender, as this is the first season we will be able to watch him migrate to a summer/fall foraging area. "Although there are many places in the Northeastern US and Canada where he could go, there are two primary locations where many white sharks spend the summer: Cape Cod, Massachusetts or Nova Scotia, Canada. "We won't know until he shows us, which is all the more reason to follow him on the tracker." The shark can be tracked here.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Daily Record
Urgent warning to tourists as world's biggest great white shark heads for holiday hotspot
The 30-year-old adult male shark, dubbed "Contender", has travelled a staggering 1,870 miles since the beginning of this year. Tourists are being urged to exercise "common sense" as the world's largest 14-foot great white shark, known as "Contender," nears popular beaches this summer. Since being tagged in the North Atlantic by OCEARCH, a nonprofit organization that studies large marine animals, the 30-year-old male shark has covered an impressive 1,870 miles since the start of the year. The tracker only sends a location signal when the shark's dorsal fin briefly emerges above the water - and after disappearing for nearly a month, the creature resurfaced north of Pamlico Sound in North Carolina on June 7. Scientists cautioned that it's "possible" the predator could approach a popular beach this summer and, as reported by the Mirror, they have advised swimmers to use "common sense." John Tyminski, a Data Scientist at OCEARCH, said: "The chances of Contender going near a popular beach is fairly remote but it is possible. White sharks like Contenter follow their natural sources of prey (schooling fish, seals, etc.). And if the conditions bring those food sources close to beaches, then that can draw the predators in close to take advantage of them. So we advise beachgoers to take a common-sense approach when going for a swim." The impressive predator, named "Contender," has covered an astonishing 1,870 miles since it was first tagged near the coasts of Florida and Georgia by OCEARCH in January. The mighty shark made its presence known in Pamlico Sound, North Carolina after feeding, specialists say. Dr. Harley Newton, Chief Scientist and Veterinarian at OCEARCH, said: "This is the first season we will be able to watch him migrate to a summer foraging area. Although there are many places in the Northeastern US and Canada where he could go, there are two primary locations where many white sharks spend the summer: Cape Cod, Massachusetts or Nova Scotia, Canada." He added revealing details about "Contender": "Though Contender is an adult male white shark, and the largest we at OCEARCH have ever tagged and sampled in the Northwest Atlantic, but he is certainly not the largest male white shark ever caught." Dr. Newton further clarified: "Contender was 13 feet 9 inches total length and estimated to weigh 1,653 pounds. But male white sharks can grow up to 18 feet." Describing the elusive nature of these creatures, Dr. Newton expressed excitement over the encounter: "The adult age class animals have been more elusive than smaller, younger, age classes so we were excited to have the opportunity to tag, sample and release him. Based on our Global Shark tracker, he has traveled 1,870 miles to date from the place he was first tagged and released." A team of six, including three fishermen and three scientists, collaborates to tag and release "Contender," who tips the scales at an estimated 1,653 pounds, narrated Dr. Newton. She said: "The team that tags and releases the animals is composed of 3 fishermen and 3 scientists, so 6 people total. After tag and release the tag reports in electronically through the Argos satellite system and one person, our Senior Data Scientist keeps track of the animal movements. "But that information is shared opening through our Global Shark Tracker app and anyone can follow these animals as they move. "We at times encounter large white sharks that choose to only investigate our boat but aren't interested in the bait we have to offer, avoiding capture. After tagging the biggest challenge is whether the animal will surface long enough to allow the satellite-linked tag we put on the dorsal fin to communicate and give a location. "This can also be impacted by growth of algae and other material on the surface of the tag which can increase with time or if the animal spends a lot of time in warm water."
