Huge great white shark, among Atlantic's largest, spotted in Canadian waters
One of the biggest great white sharks ever recorded in the Atlantic has travelled from Florida to Atlantic Canada. Weighing over 1,600 pounds – meet Contender
A 1,600-pound great white shark named 'Contender' has travelled from Florida to Atlantic Canada, marking one of the northernmost movements tracked for this species in the Atlantic Ocean.
According to Chris Fischer, founder and expedition leader of the ocean research organization OCEARCH, Contender’s location is unlike anything they’ve seen before.
"Contender is up off the Labrador Peninsula right now," Fischer explained. "He’s in a place that we’ve never tracked a shark to, and he’s also right on the northern edge of what’s considered the white shark range."
This discovery highlights the shark’s impressive migratory abilities, and also provides valuable insight into how these predators navigate through the ocean.
A sign of a healthy ocean
While the thought of a massive great white swimming in Canadian waters might raise eyebrows, it's actually good news. Fischer noted that sharks play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy marine ecosystem.
"All these white sharks move up north every summer and fall to guard your fish stocks," Fischer says, by keeping seal populations under control, great whites help sustain a healthy and diverse ocean, which is vital to local fisheries.
Tracking the Unknown
Species like the white shark may be poorly misunderstood, but understanding the patterns of big fish can be beneficial for all marine life. OCEARCH strives to fill knowledge gaps by collecting data. They safely tag sharks with satellite and acoustic trackers. These devices, attached to the shark’s dorsal fin, transmit real-time location data accessible to the public and scientists.
Researchers have learned, shark movements are closely tied to seasonal changes. Fischer explained that the fall equinox signals the beginning of the sharks migration.
"We just passed through the fall equinox, which triggers that movement," he said. "We already have five sharks south of Cape Cod just since the equinox. They feel it. The equinoxes and solstices drive their lives."
Expanding knowledge in the Atlantic
Years of tracking have significantly advanced scientists' knowledge of great white sharks.
According to Fischer, "We now have, off Atlantic Canada and the U.S. East Coast, the most comprehensive understanding of our white shark population."
Mature males like Contender are particularly valuable, providing key insights into their behaviour, migration patterns, and overall health.
SEE ALSO: Gummy sharks may not just be candy in the future
As technology advances, researchers hope that discoveries like Contender’s journey will enhance scientific understanding and foster greater appreciation and protection for one of the ocean’s most iconic predators.
WATCH: What is ocean acidification and what is it doing to our planet?
Thumbnail image courtesy: Ocearch