Rare Great White Shark Spotted Near Porquerolles Islands in Monaco Waters

In a remarkable marine encounter near the Porquerolles Islands in the Port-Cros National Park, a rare juvenile great white shark was observed, marking its first confirmed presence in the region since 2002. Captured on video at Pointe du Sarranier, the four-meter shark's sighting was authenticated by marine biologists from the National Museum of Natural History in Paris and the Groupe Phocéen d’Étude des Requins, highlighting a significant moment for regional marine biodiversity.

The appearance of this elusive predator underscores the critical challenges facing great white sharks in the Mediterranean, where their numbers have dwindled to just 10% of their historical population. The decline is attributed to persistent threats like pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction. This recent sighting, while exhilarating, brings to light the precarious state of one of the ocean's apex predators, now listed as critically endangered on the European Red List.

The encounter with the great white shark serves as a crucial reminder of the urgent need for conservation efforts to ensure the survival of this species. Without prompt and effective actions, the Mediterranean risks losing not only a majestic marine inhabitant but also facing an imbalance in its marine ecosystem. This event is both a call to action and an opportunity to reassess and strengthen conservation strategies within the region.