Great white sharks face extinction in Mediterranean, say researchers
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Species, protected areas & wetlands· Prelims·
Why in news
Researchers from the US and the UK's Blue Marine Foundation reported that illegal fishing and the sale of protected species in North African ports are driving the Mediterranean great white shark toward extinction.
Background
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the Mediterranean white shark population as Critically Endangered. Researchers discovered at least 40 great whites killed in North African ports, including a juvenile shark found in a fishery.
Facts for Prelims
- EnvironmentIUCN status: Mediterranean white shark population is classified as Critically Endangered
- FactAt least 40 great white sharks were found killed in North African ports
- BodyBlue Marine Foundation is a UK-based organization involved in the research
For Mains
Q. Discuss the challenges in curbing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in international waters and its impact on marine biodiversity.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Enforcement gap: Difficulty in monitoring vast maritime zones and tracking protected species in North African ports
- Regulatory friction: Lack of synchronized maritime surveillance between Mediterranean littoral states
- Biodiversity loss: Irreversible collapse of apex predator populations affecting marine food web stability
Keywords: Critically Endangered · IUU fishing · Marine biodiversity · Apex predators · Conservation monitoring
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