Great white sharks in the Mediterranean Sea are in danger of disappearing, with illegal fishing contributing to their decline.

This is according to research by US scientists, working in partnership with UK charity Blue Marine Foundation. They say some of the most threatened species - including great white sharks - are being sold in North African fish markets.

Great whites are one of more than 20 Mediterranean shark species protected under international law, meaning it is illegal to fish for them or to sell them.

By monitoring fishing ports on the Mediterranean coast of North Africa, however, researchers discovered that at least 40 great white sharks have been killed there in 2025 alone.

The BBC has also found, and independently verified, footage from social media of protected sharks being brought dead into North African ports.

One video showed a large great white being hauled ashore from a fishing boat in Algeria. Another, filmed in Tunisia, shows heads and fins of what appears to be a short-finned mako shark, which is also a threatened and protected species, being prepared for sale.

Last Shark Stronghold

Lead researcher, Dr Francesco Ferretti from the US university Virginia Tech, explained that many shark populations - white sharks in particular - had declined dramatically in the Mediterranean in recent decades.

Dr. Ferretti noted that, No other stretch of water is fished like the Mediterranean Sea, emphasizing the intense impact of industrial fishing on shark populations.

The Mediterranean white shark population is now classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

Researchers have worked diligently in the Strait of Sicily, identified as a last stronghold for several threatened shark species, attempting to fit a satellite tracking tag onto a white shark—a first for the Mediterranean Sea.

Despite significant efforts over two weeks, the researchers did not manage to find suitable sharks for tagging, only catching a brief glimpse of one blue shark.

Sharks for Sale

James Glancy from Blue Marine highlighted that illegal sales of white sharks in fishing markets indicate that wildlife still exists, providing a paradoxical hope for conservation.

The researchers continue to monitor fishing ports in Tunisia and Algeria, documenting the plight of these protected species sold in markets. With 24 threatened species under international legal protection, collaboration among Mediterranean countries is crucial for effective enforcement of conservation laws.

What Can Be Done?

Addressing the issue requires initiatives that support local fishers in transitioning to sustainable practices. Sara Almabruk from the Libyan Marine Biology Society pointed out the socio-economic challenges fishers face, often deciding between capturing endangered species or feeding their families. Implementing training in sustainable fishing could mitigate the risk to shark populations.

Glancy asserts that proactive international cooperation could facilitate significant improvements, but warns that immediate action is imperative.