Scientists have issued a warning after the biggest great white shark ever recorded is on the move towards a holiday hotspot.
The 14ft shark, known as Contender, was tagged in the North Atlantic back in January, by non-profit organization, OCEARCH.
OCEARCH researches large marine animals in order to help scientists obtain previously unattainable data.
In January, the creature was just 45 miles off the Florida-Georgia coast, but it’s recently resurfaced again off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts.
Dr. Harley Newton, OCEARCH’s chief scientist and veterinarian, explained in June: “This time of year white sharks are starting their late spring/early summer migration (16 May to 30 June) moving from their southern overwintering area to their summer/fall foraging areas in the northeastern US and Atlantic Canada.
Contender has traveled at least 2,000 miles since November (SWNS)
“We often see the sharks on our global shark tracker spend a period of time off the Outer Banks right before they move north, which is what white shark Contender appears to be doing.
“This may be due to rich food resources in the region and would serve as a time to feed and prepare before what may be a journey of 1,000 miles or more.”
Contender’s location is monitored via tag in order to aid shark conservation. Tagging the shark involved attaching a satellite tag to his fin, which transmits real-time GPS data whenever he surfaces.
Officials in Cape Cod have reportedly told tourists to report any sightings (Getty Stock Photo)
According to the Mirror, the shark is now heading towards Martha’s Vineyard, having already traveled over 2,000 miles since January.
OCEARCH’s Data Scientist, John Tyminski, told the publication: “Based solely on the locations from the pings he’s provided, we estimate that Contender has travelled at least 2,433 miles since his January 17 tagging.
“That fact that Contender is fairly far off Cape Cod at this point might suggest that he’s going to continue northward and take up summer residence in Atlantic Canada. But only time will tell.
“Since we only tagged Contender this past January, we have no history of his summer movements and can only speculate on where he might go next.”
Every summer, the population in Cape Cod pretty much doubles in size, from its usual 220,000 residents to over 500,000, made up of locals, tourists and second home owners.
Tracking shows Contender’s movements since January (OCEARCH)
The Mirror report that officials in Cape Cod, Massachusetts have now told residents and tourists to report any sightings of sharks in the region.
Over on the OCEARCH website, visitors can track Contender’s movements and see exactly where he’s been over the last few months.
