Great White Sharks in the Mediterranean: Facing Extinction

An international research team warns that great white sharks in the Mediterranean are facing extinction, with dozens being illegally caught each year and ending up in North African markets.

Despite protection under international law, shark populations are declining dramatically. Research in collaboration with the Blue Marine Foundation recorded 40 dead great white sharks in 2025 in Mediterranean ports.

Dr. Francesco Ferretti of Virginia Tech emphasizes that the Mediterranean is experiencing immense levels of fishing, and great white sharks are already classified as 'critically endangered' by the IUCN.

The EU and 23 countries have agreed to protect 24 endangered species, including the great white shark. Sarah Almaabrouk from the Marine Biology Society of Libya reports that sharks are often caught accidentally, but fishermen sell them due to economic need.