The illicit trade in endangered great white sharks in North African fish markets is undermining international conservation efforts and potentially impacting the Mediterranean fishing industry, according to a new study. Researchers estimate that at least 40 great white sharks were illegally caught and sold in North African markets in 2025 alone, despite international protections.
This illegal activity directly threatens the livelihoods of legitimate fisheries in the region. Great white sharks, while apex predators, play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem. Their decline could lead to imbalances in fish populations, potentially impacting the commercial viability of fisheries that depend on a healthy and diverse marine environment. The exact economic cost of this disruption is difficult to quantify, but experts suggest that a collapse of the great white shark population could lead to significant long-term losses for the fishing industry.
The Mediterranean fishing industry, valued at billions of dollars annually, is already facing numerous challenges, including overfishing, pollution, and climate change. The illegal trade in protected shark species adds another layer of complexity, undermining efforts to promote sustainable fishing practices and protect marine biodiversity. The demand for shark meat, fins, and other products in certain markets fuels this illicit trade, creating a lucrative black market that is difficult to control.
The Blue Marine Foundation, a UK-based charity, is working with US scientists to monitor fishing ports and raise awareness about the illegal trade in protected species. However, the vastness of the Mediterranean Sea and the limited resources available for enforcement make it difficult to effectively combat this problem. International cooperation is essential to strengthen monitoring and enforcement efforts, crack down on illegal fishing activities, and reduce the demand for shark products.
The future of great white sharks in the Mediterranean remains uncertain. Without stronger enforcement and a concerted effort to combat the illegal trade in protected species, these iconic predators face the risk of extinction in the region. This would not only be a tragic loss for biodiversity but could also have significant economic consequences for the Mediterranean fishing industry and the coastal communities that depend on it.
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