Researchers are tracking what is considered to be the largest shark tagged by Oceanarch in the southwest Atlantic in the final voice off the east coast of Florida.
The white shark, named candidate, was originally tagged on January 17, 2025, about 45 miles from the coast of the Florida Georgia border, and generally moved south along the Gulf River.
According to biologists, the shark was nearly 14 feet long, weighing 1,652.8 pounds, which was impressive when researchers discovered it.
Shark's tag sends real-time data to researchers, providing insight into his movements and behavior over the next few years.
“The name of Contender pays homage to longtime Oceanarch partner Contender Boats.
Their commitment to performance and innovation is essential to our ability to explore and protect the oceans,” the group said.
Beach fans do not need to cancel their vacation in the sun as white sharks typically stay over 40 miles from the coast.
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According to biologists, sharks often move into the water from Florida and the southeastern regions during fall and winter to find prey.
During spring and summer, marine animals tend to move further offshore and eat seals northward towards the US and Canada in the northeast.
According to the International Fund for Animal Welfare, the global population of white sharks is believed to be over 3,000, and is not currently considered at risk. However, climate change and intertwining are affecting populations.
Oceanarch said candidate tags should be exposed to air for about 90 seconds to accurately triangulate the shark's position.
The battery is said to last about five years, but its lifespan is entirely dependent on several times the surface of a shark.
As of late 2024, marine biologists tagged nearly 400 sharks, mostly either great white or tiger sharks.
