The Mediterranean Sea, with its crystal-clear waters and stunning coastlines, is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike and everyone wants to know first, Are there Sharks present in the Mediterranean Sea? Find out below
Sharks are present in the Mediterranean Sea, although their distribution is not uniform throughout the region. But beneath its serene surface lies a mysterious world, home to a variety of marine life, including sharks.
Mediterranean Sea Shark Species
Contrary to popular belief, the Mediterranean Sea is home to several species of sharks. One of the most common species found in these waters is the Blue Shark (Prionace glauca). Known for its slender body and distinctive blue color, this shark is often spotted in the open sea, feeding on small fish and squid.
Another species that can be found in the Mediterranean is the Mako Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus). This fast and agile predator is known for its long, pointed snout and powerful jaws, which it uses to catch prey such as tuna and swordfish.
Shark Behavior in the Mediterranean
Sharks in the Mediterranean are typically found in deeper waters, away from the shore. They are known to migrate seasonally, following their prey and seeking warmer waters. Despite their intimidating reputation, sharks in the Mediterranean are generally shy and avoid contact with humans.
Conservation Efforts
Due to overfishing and habitat destruction, shark populations in the Mediterranean are facing significant threats. Several conservation organizations are working to protect these majestic creatures and their habitats. One such organization is the Mediterranean Shark Research Group, which conducts research and raises awareness about shark conservation issues in the region.
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The most commonly sighted species in the Mediterranean include the blue shark, the shortfin mako, and the sandbar shark. The great white shark has also been documented along the French coast of the Mediterranean, and there are reports of giant great white sharks in the region as well.
The Mediterranean Sea has a reputation for being a calm and safe body of water for swimmers and beachgoers, but it is important to be aware of the potential presence of sharks and exercise caution. The loss of large predatory sharks from the Mediterranean Sea has had a significant impact on the ecosystem, as sharks play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem by regulating the populations of their prey.
Efforts are being made to conserve and protect the remaining shark populations in the Mediterranean Sea to ensure the health of the ecosystem.
Shark Spotting & Attacks in Mediterranean Sea
The warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea are home to at least 47 shark species, but only about 15 of those species actually pose any potential threats to humans.
Back in April 1987, the world’s largest great white shark was caught in the calm waters of the island of Malta. It was about 23 feet in length, approximately 7 metres.
Through the Suez canal, the north coast of Africa are occasionally visited by tiger sharks.
One male and one female specimen of tiger shark were accidentally caught by a drifting longline for swordfish in the south Mediterranean, in Libyan waters. Bull sharks may be the only species missing on the list, however, I wouldn’t be too quick at dismissing their presence.
There have been shark attacks there although shark attacks are rare, possibly because there is an abundance of food for sharks to feed on in the Mediterranean sea.
“Historically, according to the International Shark Attack File, there have been a total of 36 reported shark attacks in the Mediterranean sea over the past 150 years, of which 18 have proved fatal.
“Yet despite the millions of people using its 28,600 miles of coastline every year, there have been very few reported Mediterranean shark attacks, and fewer deaths. With very saline, warm waters and little tidal movement, the Mediterranean Sea is home to an abundance of sea creatures, giving the sharks plenty of food to live off of.”
Is Mediterranean Sea favorable for Sharks?
Mediterranean does not have the ecosystem to support big sharks which most of the time are the more aggressive ones unlike the oceans and the colder seas.
I remember watching a documentary where they attributed the clearness of Med waters to the lack of pylanctons, the algea and the lack of micro life in general that exist in colder seas with more oxygen and life and support the higher echolons of the food chain.
In conclusion, while sharks do inhabit the Mediterranean Sea, they are not as prevalent or dangerous as some may believe. With proper conservation efforts and responsible fishing practices, these magnificent creatures can continue to thrive in their natural habitat.
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