The average male great white shark will measure in at between 11 and 13 feet. An even bigger individual was recently tagged, allowing scientists further insight into these majestic fish.
OCEARCH, a nonprofit that researches large ocean life to help collect important data, shared in an Instagram post that a nearly 14-footer dubbed Contender is now being tracked, with the information shared on a publicly available map. The goal is to better understand the movements and migration patterns of the sizeable male, who also weighs in at more than 1600 pounds.
In the post, the organization said, “Contender is the largest male white shark ever caught, SPOT tagged, released and now studied in the NW Atlantic white shark population!”
If you visit the interactive map tracker on OCEARCH’s website, you can see Contender’s recent movements, which have centered off the Atlantic coast of Florida and Georgia since he was tagged. You can also check out the movements of other sharks and sea turtles, which are among the more than 400 animals the organization has tagged since it launched. The sidebar includes recent pings, while the map has icons representing each turtle and shark, which will provide information once you click on them.
OCEARCH’s work has also involved 200 scientists, who collaborate to provide education, conduct research, and to work toward the goal of restoring the ocean’s balance and abundance.
Biological samples were also taken from Contender, and the tracker is expected to provide location data for about five years.
Great whites are not endangered, though they are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. They face threats from overfishing, bycatch, net entanglement, and their slow growth and reproductive pace.
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