Great white sharks in the Mediterranean Sea are at severe risk of extinction, according to new research, with illegal fishing playing a major role in their rapid decline.
The study, conducted by US scientists in partnership with the UK charity Blue Marine Foundation, found that some of the most threatened shark species—including great whites—are being openly sold in North African fish markets.
Great white sharks are among more than 20 Mediterranean shark species protected under international law, making it illegal to fish for or sell them.
Yet, through monitoring at fishing ports along the North African Mediterranean coast, researchers documented that at least 40 great white sharks were killed there in 2025 alone.
