World's Largest Shark Discovered in Atlantic Ocean
The largest great white shark ever recorded in the Atlantic has been spotted and tagged off the coast of Florida. The giant shark has been named Pretender, writes Farmingdale Observer.
Photo: Kelpfish | Dreamstime.com
OCEARCH (an American non-profit organization dedicated to the study of marine predators, primarily sharks. – Note.) successfully tagged the largest great white shark ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean. The giant marine predator, named Challenger, was captured and tagged on January 17, 2025, off the east coast of Florida.
The 4,2-metre-long, 750-kilogram great white shark has sparked huge scientific interest. OCEARCH researchers found the male about 70 kilometres offshore and successfully tagged it as part of an ongoing study of shark migration patterns and behaviour.
On the subject: Shark attacks 9-year-old girl from Russian-speaking family in Florida
OCEARCH's Chief Veterinarian and Senior Scientist Dr Harley Newton explained the significance of the find: "Male great white sharks reach sexual maturity at approximately 3,5 metres in length and 26 years of age. At 4,3 metres in length, Challenger is likely at the start of his reproductive lifespan, at around 30 years of age.
The discovery is important for shark conservation. Once dominant in prehistoric oceans, these ancient marine predators now face multiple threats. Tagging adults like Challenger provides vital information about breeding populations that will help restore great white shark numbers in the Atlantic.
The OCEARCH team used cutting-edge techniques to safely tag the Challenger. Using a baited rig on a breakaway reel, the researchers waited for the shark to grab the bait, then gently pulled it toward the side of the vessel. This approach allowed the researchers to safely collect biological data on the animal.
The Challenger has two types of satellite tags attached to it. SPOT (intelligent position and temperature tag) on its dorsal fin tracks its movements on the surface, while PSAT (satellite satellite transmitter) records its underwater behavior. These technological innovations represent a major advancement over traditional methods of tracking wild animals.
“The tag on the dorsal fin transmits GPS coordinates every time Challenger surfaces, which happens every few days,” Dr. Newton explained. “Anyone can track his movements in near real time using the free OCEARCH tracker for computers and smartphones.”
While Challenger's impressive size has captured the public's attention, its scientific value is far more important. Researchers have collected biological samples, including urogenital material, that will be analyzed in the lab to gain new insights into the health and reproduction of great white sharks.
Since being tagged, Challenger has already traveled about 470 miles (XNUMX kilometers) south toward northern Florida. The latest tracking data shows it near St. Augustine, showing the vast distances these marine predators cover.
The ability to track these movements provides vital data about ocean ecosystems. Just as studies of marine mammals reveal unexpected patterns in the behavior of other species, the path of the Challenger could reveal unknown aspects of the lives of great white sharks.
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OCEARCH has already tagged and released 95 individuals as part of its project to study great white sharks in the western North Atlantic. The organization hopes that this growing data set will help improve conservation strategies for great white sharks and other Atlantic species.
After six months, PSAT will automatically separate from Challenger. Its journey will help to locate important breeding and feeding grounds for sharks.
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