As of today, February 28, 2026, the waters off Florida have become a hotspot for shark research, thanks to the non-profit organization OCEARCH. Their dedicated efforts in tracking and studying these magnificent creatures have unveiled fascinating insights into their behaviors and migrations.
Recently, OCEARCH caught, measured, tagged, and released a juvenile female white shark named Penny off the coast of North Carolina. This event was captured in a video from April 2023, showcasing the organization’s commitment to understanding these apex predators. But Penny isn’t the only shark making waves; another notable resident of the Atlantic is Webster, an adult male white shark tagged by OCEARCH in September 2025 in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia.
Webster’s Journey
Webster, who weighs a hefty 1,000 pounds and stretches over 12 feet long, has been tracked via satellite pings since his tagging. His journey down the East Coast has taken him to various locations, including a recent sighting approximately 425 miles off the coast of Cape Canaveral in the open Atlantic. John Tyminski, senior data scientist for OCEARCH, pointed out that much of this area is considered a biological desert due to low nutrient levels. However, apex predators like Webster often seek out eddies—temporary rotating water masses that can bring nutrient-rich waters to the surface, creating temporary feeding grounds.
Moreover, OCEARCH’s mission doesn’t stop at tracking sharks like Webster. They aim to monitor these creatures continuously to aid in research on white sharks and their environment. The data collected is crucial, especially since the ocean’s ecosystem has been under threat, with many marine species disappearing over the decades.
The Contender: A Giant in the Making
Alongside Webster, another shark making headlines is a colossal white shark known as “Contender.” Measuring over 4 meters long and weighing around 750 kilograms, Contender was sighted off the coast of North Carolina after weeks of silence from his tracker. This massive shark was tagged by OCEARCH researchers in January 2025 off the coast of Florida and has since made an impressive migration from Florida all the way to the Saint Lawrence River in Canada.
Interestingly, Contender tends to stay in coastal waters and usually avoids beaches. The tracking data for this shark is publicly available, serving as a vital resource for research on migration patterns and behaviors. In addition to tracking movements, valuable biological samples, including urogenital material, have been collected for analysis, further enhancing our understanding of these extraordinary creatures.
Shark Conservation Efforts
The plight of sharks is increasingly concerning, as their populations have been severely impacted by overfishing. Organizations like the Ocean Wildlife Project are working to promote scientific research projects aimed at shark protection. Their research focuses on understanding the locations and movements of marine wildlife, which is crucial for effective monitoring and conservation strategies.
As we continue to learn more about sharks like Webster and Contender, it’s vital to support these initiatives. Understanding their habits and habitats is key to developing effective conservation measures that can help protect these magnificent creatures for future generations.
For more insights on Webster’s journey and the organization’s research efforts, visit Fox Weather, and to learn about Contender’s tracking, check out SWP. For further information on shark conservation, explore the ongoing work at Ocean Wildlife Project.