Dire Warning: Great White Sharks at Risk of Extinction in the Mediterranean
Great white sharks in the Mediterranean Sea are in peril of extinction, with illegal fishing heavily contributing to their dwindling numbers.
US scientists, in collaboration with the UK charity Blue Marine Foundation, report that these endangered species, alongside other threatened sharks, are being sold in North African fish markets.
Despite international protections for over 20 Mediterranean shark species, including great whites, researchers have observed significant violations. Monitoring at various fishing ports in North Africa uncovered that at least 40 great white sharks were killed in the year 2025 alone.
Moreover, the BBC has independently verified disturbing footage showing protected sharks being brought to North African ports, with one video depicting a large great white being hoisted from a boat in Algeria.
Lead researcher Dr. Francesco Ferretti of Virginia Tech noted the grave situation, stating that no other stretch of water is fished like the Mediterranean Sea. He emphasized the urgent need for conservation efforts as their populations are classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
Dr. Ferretti's team attempted to tag a white shark, aiming to enhance understanding of their diminishing numbers in the Strait of Sicily, a region identified as a crucial habitat for various shark species. They brought substantial amounts of fish bait but unfortunately failed to find any sharks during their efforts.
James Glancy from Blue Marine stated that while the sale of white sharks may seem disheartening, it serves as a reminder that some wildlife still exists and that with effective conservation strategies, there is hope for recovery.
As the situation unfolds, experts recognize the pressing need for global cooperation among Mediterranean countries to protect marine life. Strategies including sustainable fishing practices are crucial for the survival of these magnificent creatures.
