Massive shark headed down Florida coast ahead of busy travel season

As the sun rises over Florida’s pristine coastline, college students are flocking to the state’s iconic beaches for spring break, but they’re not the only ones making waves this season. Marine researchers are closely tracking two formidable great white sharks, Contender and Dold, as they migrate southward along the coast. These apex predators are part of a groundbreaking study aimed at unraveling the mysteries of their behavior, migration patterns, and reproductive cycles. While spring breakers soak up the sun, scientists are diving deep into the world of these ocean giants, providing unprecedented insights into their lives and roles in the marine ecosystem.

At the center of this research is Contender, a colossal male great white shark weighing 1,653 pounds and measuring 13 feet, 9 inches in length. Tagged by researchers in January near the Florida-Georgia border, Contender is being tracked by the nonprofit organization OCEARCH, which specializes in studying large marine animals. According to Dr. Harley Newton, OCEARCH’s chief scientist and veterinarian, Contender is a critical subject in ongoing efforts to understand the reproductive cycles of adult white sharks, particularly during their overwintering period. The data collected from Contender’s movements is expected to shed light on the timing and locations of their breeding, which remain poorly understood. Equipped with a sophisticated SPOT tag, Contender’s journey is being monitored in real time, providing scientists with valuable information about his migration patterns, diving habits, and energy use. This technology is expected to transmit data for approximately five years, making Contender one of the most closely studied sharks of his kind.

Contender isn’t alone in his journey. Another great white shark, named Dold, is also making its way south along the Florida coast. Weighing 761 pounds and measuring 11 feet in length, Dold was last tracked near Hobe Sound, about 100 miles north of Contender. Dold is named in honor of Dr. Christopher Dold, a renowned ocean conservationist from SeaWorld who played a pivotal role in advancing shark research. Both sharks are part of a larger effort to study great white shark behavior, and their movements are being carefully analyzed to identify key feeding areas, nurseries, and other critical habitats. While these sharks are formidable predators, researchers emphasize that their presence off Florida’s coast poses minimal risk to beachgoers, as they tend to stay miles offshore.

The tracking of Contender and Dold offers a unique opportunity to understand the complex lives of great white sharks. These apex predators are not just mindless killers; they play a vital role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. By studying their movements, scientists can gain insights into how they influence prey populations, much like lions do in the Serengeti. According to Taylor Chapple, an assistant professor and founder of the Big Fish Lab at Oregon State University, tracking these sharks is akin to monitoring lions on the African savannah. “The data we get from the tags gives us insight into the movement and behavior of these animals,” Chapple explained. “This is important for us to understand their role in the oceans and identify critical places in their lives, like key feeding areas or nurseries where babies grow up.” The tags used by researchers provide detailed information about the sharks’ depth, temperature preferences, and acceleration, revealing clues about their hunting behavior and energy expenditure.

Forrest Galante, a wildlife biologist and host of Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week,” added that the tags are completely safe for the sharks and provide essential data for scientists. “Tags even provide depth, temperature, and acceleration data—which can reveal details about hunting behavior, diving habits, and energy use,” Galante said. This information is invaluable for conservation efforts, as it helps researchers protect critical habitats and ensure the survival of these magnificent creatures. While great white sharks can grow up to 21 feet in length and weigh as much as 4,500 pounds, making them one of the largest predatory fish in the world, Contender and Dold are still relatively young adults. Their movements over the coming years will provide scientists with a unique perspective on how these sharks mature and interact with their environment.

Despite the excitement surrounding these sharks, researchers are quick to reassure beachgoers that the risk of shark encounters is extremely low. According to data from the Florida Museum of Natural History, there were only 47 reported unprovoked shark bites worldwide in 2024, and only one of those was fatal in the United States. As Chapple noted, “If you’ve ever been in the ocean, a shark has likely encountered you—you just didn’t know it. If sharks wanted to eat people, there would be a whole lot less surfers in the water. We’re just not on their menu.” While Contender and Dold are being tracked off Florida’s coast, they are staying roughly 40 miles offshore, far from the bustling beaches where spring breakers are gathering. To minimize the already slim risk of a shark encounter, researchers suggest swimmers avoid wearing shiny jewelry, refrain from swimming at dawn or dusk, and steer clear of areas where fishermen are active.

As Contender and Dold continue their journey southward, they are expected to pass by popular spring break destinations like Fort Lauderdale and Miami before rounding the southern tip of Florida. While their exact paths are unpredictable, the data being collected from their movements will contribute significantly to shark conservation efforts. By studying these apex predators, scientists hope to gain a deeper understanding of their role in the ocean and how they can be protected for future generations. For spring breakers, the presence of Contender and Dold serves as a reminder of the awe-inspiring beauty and complexity of marine life. While shark encounters are rare, the knowledge gained from these research efforts will help ensure that these incredible creatures continue to thrive in the world’s oceans.