Great white sharks in the Mediterranean Sea are facing extinction, according to recent research. The study, conducted by US scientists in collaboration with the Blue Marine Foundation, highlights illegal fishing as a significant threat to these sharks, often found in North African fish markets.
Despite being among more than 20 Mediterranean shark species protected under international law, researchers found that at least 40 great white sharks were killed in North Africa alone in 2025.
Monitoring efforts revealed not only the unacceptable killings but also social media footage verifying the illegal sales of these protected species. One notable video captured a large great white being offloaded from a fishing boat in Algeria, raising concerns about the fishing practices in the region.
Dr. Francesco Ferretti, a lead researcher from Virginia Tech, discussed the dramatic decline of white shark populations in the Mediterranean, stating that No other stretch of water is fished like the Mediterranean Sea and warning that extinction may be imminent. The Mediterranean white shark population is currently classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
Attempts to study and track these predators, particularly through satellite tagging, are ongoing, yet some two weeks of effort led to no successful findings, signifying a severely degraded ecosystem.
Conservationists, however, maintain a cautious hope as sightings of white sharks in markets indicate some wildlife still exists. They stress the importance of sustainable fishing practices and collaborative efforts among Mediterranean countries to safeguard the future of these iconic sharks.
James Glancy from Blue Marine conveyed the paradox of discovering sharks for sale, emphasizing that urgent action and support for local communities are essential to prevent further decline. If you support them and train them in more sustainable fishing, they will not catch white sharks – or any sharks, Glancy stated.
