Latest news with #Contender
New York Post
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
11-foot great white shark surfaces off popular NJ beach coast — on ‘Jaws' anniversary
Spielberg couldn't have scripted it better. An 11-foot great white shark named 'Dold' made a surprise cameo off a popular stretch of New Jersey's beach coast Friday — the 50th anniversary of the premiere of 'Jaws.' The 761-pound predator, which had been tagged by researchers at OCEARCH, sent a satellite 'ping' in the early morning about 40 miles off Monmouth County, which boasts beaches such as Long Branch, Asbury Park and Spring Lake, the Asbury Park Press reported. Advertisement Dold's appearance overlapped with the 50th anniversary of the Hollywood shark thriller 'Jaws,' which was famously directed by Steven Spielberg and premiered June 20, 1975. The shark, who is named after SeaWorld conservationist Christopher Dold, was first tagged in February near the Florida-Georgia border after being briefly held on a research vessel, according to OCEARCH. A satellite tag was placed on Dold's dorsal fin, and an acoustic device was tucked inside his body to allow researchers to track his movements, according to the outlet. Advertisement Researchers described the shark about 25 years old — not quite an adult yet — and said he could grow up to 18 feet. Dold was first tagged in February near the Florida-Georgia border after being briefly held on a research vessel. Since being tagged, Dold swam south to the gulf of Florida and curved back north in May to cruise along the East Coast as part of his seasonal migration, the nonprofit documented. His dorsal 'ping' occurs when his fin breaks the ocean surface long enough — or for about 90 seconds — for a satellite to capture it, researchers said. Advertisement The nonprofit has tagged more than 100 great white sharks in the past 15 years, the outlet said. Dold's weight is nothing compared to some sharks previously tagged by the organization, such as Contender, a 1,653-pound bruiser last seen near the East Coast's Outer Banks, or Nukumi, a 3,541-pound female who hasn't pinged since 2021.
New York Post
21-06-2025
- Science
- New York Post
Scientist tracking ‘biggest ever' great white shark Contender reveals how to escape close encounter
One of the scientists involved in tracking Contender – the biggest great white shark ever recorded by researchers in the Atlantic – has revealed how to escape a close encounter. Contender, the 14-foot beast, was tagged in the North Atlantic by OCEARCH in January – a non-profit organization that conducts research on large marine animals – 45 miles off the Florida-Georgia coast, off Jacksonville and popped up off Pamlico Sound in North Carolina earlier this month. 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. 4 Scientist tag the 14 foot great white shark, Contender, in the Atlantic Ocean. OCEARCH / SWNS 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. She 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. And she said 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.' 4 Dr. Harley Newton is the chief scientist and veterinarian for OCEARCH, from Jacksonville, Florida. OCEARCH / SWNS 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, can not smell blood from miles away – the max distance the length of an Olympic-size swimming pool – and are 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.' 4 OCEARCH's tracking of Contender has also provided valuable data about great white shark migration patterns. OCEARCH / SWNS 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.' 4 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. OCEARCH / SWNS 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
Newsweek
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Biggest Great White Shark Ever Tracked in Atlantic Zigzags Off US Coast
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The largest great white shark tagged by researchers in the Atlantic has surfaced near North Carolina on a swim to northern waters. Contender the shark was first SPOT tagged off the coast of Florida on January 17 and has been located again by oceanographers who have measured Contender at 1,653 lbs and 13 feet and 9 inches long, making him the largest great white tagged by OCEARCH researchers. Great whites tend to migrate to cooler waters during the summer months after spending the winter in warmer conditions, which explains his swims from Florida to North Carolina, totaling about 1,870 miles since January. The OCEARCH research team has been contacted for comment via email. Contender the 1,653lb shark being tagged by OCEARCH researchers. Contender the 1,653lb shark being tagged by OCEARCH researchers. OCEARCH Why It Matters Shark tourism has become a part of the summer economy in the North Atlantic, particularly off the shores of Cape Cod. In a summer when fewer Canadian tourists may be visiting the Northeast, the chance to see Contender in the wild may assist with tourism numbers in beach towns. Researchers say that following Contender's movements will assist with oceanic and conservation research. What To Know Contender is named after Contender Boats, a partner of OCEARCH research. Although some may see him as the ultimate ocean horror, OCEARCH researchers prefer to describe him as "the ultimate ocean warrior." This year marks the 50th Anniversary of Jaws hitting movie theaters. This film had a significant impact on sharks and shark perceptions across the United States. It resulted in people fleeing beaches and humans seeking out sharks in their natural habitat to kill them. Fifty years later, oceanographers are working to correct the record on sharks and educate people on why sharks are a critical part of the ocean's ecosystem and need to be protected. Peter Benchley, the author of the novel Jaws, which the film is based on, went on to spend the rest of his life working in shark conservation, as he felt guilty over how the shark population suffered due to his work. Prior to his death, Benchley wrote: "I couldn't write Jaws today. The extensive new knowledge of sharks would make it impossible for me to create, in good conscience, a villain of the magnitude and malignity of the original." Speaking about how Jaws has impacted their research, Chris Fischer, founder and expedition leader of OCEARCH said in a press release: "Our research in the very waters where JAWS was set—from Cape Cod to Nova Scotia and down to the Gulf of Mexico—is uncovering the real-life migratory patterns and critical habitats of white sharks. "This knowledge is demonstrating just how essential these predators are to maintaining the health and balance of our oceans." What People Are Saying Dr. Harley Newton, chief scientist and veterinarian at OCEARCH, said in a press release: "Through the multidisciplinary research we facilitate, we are developing a more complete understanding of the Western North Atlantic white shark, including their essential habitats and threats to population recovery. This data contributes to global white shark conservation efforts and will help shape fisheries management policies that we hope will ensure a healthy future for sharks and the oceans they protect." What Happens Next Contender is expected to keep swimming north up toward Canada. People invested in his journey can follow his tag at OCEARCH Shark Tracker.
Daily Mirror
19-06-2025
- Science
- 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
19-06-2025
- Science
- 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.
