A recent sighting of a great white shark off the Var coast in the Mediterranean has captivated attention, as such encounters are rare. Marine expert Dr. Johann Mourier estimates only a few hundred great whites inhabit the area, with declining populations due to overfishing and human activity. The observed shark, likely a female measuring 3.5 to 4 meters, exhibited signs of curiosity. Despite occasional sightings, the species faces significant extinction risks due to slow reproduction and environmental pressures.
Rare Sighting of a Great White Shark in the Mediterranean
The recent sighting of a great white shark off the Var coast in early November has left many astonished. Encounters with this majestic creature in Mediterranean waters are quite infrequent, with only about forty documented cases in the Marine Natural Park of the Gulf of Lion, spanning from Camargue to Catalonia. This rare event was brought to light by a fisherman who spotted the *carcharodon carcharias* while navigating the waters of Port-Cros National Park in Var.
Understanding the Population of Great White Sharks
Contrary to popular belief, great white sharks do inhabit the Mediterranean Sea. Dr. Johann Mourier, a prominent shark specialist and marine biology researcher at the University of Montpellier, provided insights into this fascinating topic. “In the Mediterranean, the shark population is estimated to be just a few hundred,” he stated.
When asked about the recent sighting, Dr. Mourier explained that such observations are quite rare, with the last one occurring in 2022 when fishermen filmed a great white near the Camargue coast. Previous sightings included two specimens in 2012 off the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and Corsica. The largest recorded specimen was caught off Sète in the 1950s, measuring nearly 5.8 meters and is now displayed at a museum in Lausanne, Switzerland. Autumn is typically the season for more frequent sightings, as these sharks pass near the coasts during this time, but they rarely venture close to shore, minimizing the risk of human encounters.
Regarding the recently observed shark, Dr. Mourier noted that the individual approached the boat out of curiosity, circling it before moving on. Based on video evidence, this shark appeared to measure between 3.5 and 4 meters, indicating it was an adult. The presence of marks around its gills suggests possible mating bites, hinting that it could be a female, which is hopeful given the species’ critically endangered status.
Despite the rarity of sightings, the great white shark’s population is dwindling. “At least 50% of their populations have vanished in the last 50 years,” Dr. Mourier remarked. This decline is attributed to various factors, including overfishing, bycatch incidents, and a high level of human activity in the Mediterranean. Great white sharks primarily prey on marine mammals, like seals, but in the Mediterranean, they tend to hunt tuna.
Sharks face additional challenges due to their slow reproductive rates. Gestation can last up to a year, and they often mature late, after about twenty years. With a lifespan that can extend to 80 years, the young sharks caught before they have a chance to reproduce further exacerbate the population decline. As a result, the regeneration of their numbers is a slow process, placing them at significant risk of extinction.