These Apex Predators Face Disappearing in the Mediterranean, Experts Warn

Great white sharks in the Mediterranean waters are on the verge of vanishing, with illegal fishing being a significant driver to their alarming decline.

This conclusion is based on investigations carried out by researchers, who partnered with an marine preservation group. They indicate that various at-risk marine animals – like the great white shark – are appearing for sale in fish markets across North Africa.

These sharks are one of in excess of 20 Mediterranean shark species shielded by international agreements, which renders it unlawful to catch them or to offer them for sale.

However, by observing harbors along the Mediterranean coast of North Africa, scientists uncovered that no fewer than 40 great white sharks have been killed there in just the past year.

Footage from social media showing protected sharks being landed at North African ports has been independently verified.

One video showed a big shark being hauled ashore from a vessel in Algeria. A separate video, recorded in Tunisia, shows remains and fins of what appears to be a mako shark, which is also a protected and endangered species.

Remaining Habitat

The lead researcher, stated that many populations of sharks – white sharks in particular – had plummeted in the Mediterranean in the past years.

"No other body of water is exploited as heavily as the Mediterranean Sea," he said. "The impact of industrial fishing has been increasing... and it's plausible that they will go extinct in the foreseeable future."

The population of great whites in the Mediterranean is now designated as Critically Endangered by the key international body.

In their latest attempt to find and study the animals, the team worked in the waters between Sicily and North Africa – an area identified as a "last stronghold" in the Mediterranean for several endangered shark species.

A primary objective of their mission was to attach a satellite tag onto a great white – something that has never been done in the Mediterranean Sea.

To try this, the researchers used a large amount of fish bait – including baitfish and a substantial volume of fish oil to create a "fat slick" that many sharks can sense from far off.

After two weeks of work – laying bait, sampling for DNA to test for environmental DNA and using subsea cameras – the researchers did not manage to find any specimens.

They captured only a short sighting of one shark on their cameras.

"It's disheartening," the lead researcher said. "It just shows how damaged this marine environment is."

During their search for living sharks, they also learned that a young great white shark had been taken in a fishery off North Africa – just not far from where they were working.

It is unknown whether that shark was accidentally caught in nets or lines, or if it was targeted.

The team, however, believes that over forty great white sharks have been harvested in that area. "This is a lot for a critically endangered population," the researcher emphasized.

Protected Sharks Traded

The scientists, along with regional contacts, are observing various harbors in the region. Findings shows that protected sharks are captured, brought to port, and sold in countries including several North African nations.

The protective legislation are multifaceted. Currently, numerous species have treaty-based safeguards – such as makos, angel sharks, threshers, and hammerheads.

An international agreement states that those species cannot be "kept on boats, transferred, landed, stored, or sold".

The agreement mandates "they must be returned to the sea alive [where] possible". Those rules do not tackle unintentional catch and implementation differs from one place to another.

A marine advocate noted that his own research found multiple white sharks on sale. But, he said, there was a unexpected hopeful sign in the fact that white sharks were being found in markets.

"It shows that there is life remaining," he said. "And if we can protect this, there is a hope for revival."

The Path Forward

In economically challenged regions in North Africa, fishers who catch sharks might face the decision of whether to earn a livelihood, or return a threatened species to the ocean.

"Why would they throw sharks back into the sea when they must feed their households?" asked a scientist. "If you provide alternatives and education in more sustainable fishing, they will not catch protected species."

Another expert added that if countries around the Mediterranean joined forces, "there is hope."

"But," he continued, "we've got to act very quickly."