Great Whites Ernst & Contender Patrol East Coast

Two great white sharks, a 12-foot female named Ernst and a nearly 14-foot male named Contender, are currently undertaking their annual migration north along the East Coast. Tracking data shows Ernst was first detected off Montauk, New York, in June and has since moved towards Atlantic Canadian waters. Contender appears to be following a similar route, being one of the largest great whites ever tagged in the Atlantic.

New York beaches have experienced a surge in shark sightings, with Rockaway Beach reporting 23 sightings between late May and early July 2026. Officials attribute this increase partly to expanded use of surveillance technology, including drones and patrol boats, which allows for better detection. Scientists also point to a rise in bait fish populations, such as Atlantic menhaden, and potentially warming ocean temperatures as factors drawing sharks closer to shore.

These increased sightings have resulted in temporary beach closures and swimming restrictions across multiple New York locations. For instance, Point Lookout Beach and nearby areas were closed in early July due to a 9-foot shark sighting. While a swimmer at Jones Beach sustained a non-life-threatening foot injury from a suspected sand tiger shark, experts emphasize that serious shark attacks remain rare globally. The presence of sharks is also viewed by scientists as a potential indicator of a healthier marine ecosystem.

As Ernst continues her northern journey and Contender follows, beach officials and shark trackers will maintain close monitoring. Beachgoers are advised to pay close attention to lifeguard instructions and closure notices, as encounters with sharks, though more visible, remain uncommon.