US EditionGreat white sharks face extinction in Mediterranean, say researchers
Illegal and industrial fishing have caused at least 40 great white sharks deaths in 2025, pushing the Mediterranean population to Critically Endangered status, researchers said.
- On Oct. 22, 2024, a multi-institution study involving US scientists and the UK charity Blue Marine Foundation warned Mediterranean great white sharks face disappearance, now classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN.
- Illegal and industrial fishing pressures have led researchers to find protected shark species sold in North African fish markets, with enforcement variable and economic challenges complicating compliance.
- Using eDNA and baited cameras, the team ran three pilot expeditions in the Strait of Sicily from 2021–2023 with 500 litres of tuna oil and more than three tonnes of bait but failed to tag any white sharks after two weeks.
- By monitoring North African fishing ports, researchers found at least 40 great white sharks killed in 2025 and a juvenile caught 20 nautical miles from their work, with unclear bycatch status.
- Now the research team is planning and fundraising for multiple future expeditions and a formal Mediterranean monitoring program, with Dr Francesco Ferretti saying, `We decided to take on the challenge of locating the last remaining white sharks in the Mediterranean and saving them`.
16 Articles
16 Articles
The great white shark is facing extinction in the Mediterranean, largely due to illegal fishing, US scientists have found. They warn that despite international protection, some endangered species, including the great white shark, are being sold in fish markets in North Africa.
Mediterranean Great White Sharks At Risk Of Extinction, Scientists Say
Great white sharks—icons of the ocean, apex predators, living legends—are quietly vanishing from the Mediterranean. And the reason isn’t mysterious. It’s nets, markets, and a system that’s failing to protect what little remains.According to US scientists working with the UK’s Blue Marine Foundation, illegal fishing is pushing these sharks toward the edge. Despite being protected under international law, great whites are still being caught and so…
The actually protected white sharks in the Mediterranean could soon be eradicated, researchers warn. Evidence that the animals land on North African fish markets, they found on social media.
While researchers desperately try to locate them in the depths, the great white sharks of the Mediterranean Sea are disappearing, but not for mysterious reasons, but because of industrial and illegal fishing that takes place in broad daylight. A new study published in late 2025 reveals a grim picture: at least 40 great white sharks have been killed along the coast of North Africa in the past year alone. This is pushing the population, which is a…
For the Mediterranean, certain rules apply in relation to fishing. However, as not everyone always adheres to them, the white shark is now considered to be threatened with extinction. A white shark: a rare image in the Mediterranean. Image: imago stock&peopleFor the Mediterranean, certain rules apply in relation to fishing. However, as not everyone always adheres to them, the white shark is now regarded as threatened with extinction. Nathalie Tr…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 80% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
