Fishermen near El Quseir on Egypt's Red Sea coast captured a mako shark in early April 2024 [4].

The incident highlights the ongoing tension between traditional fishing practices and the urgent need to protect species threatened with extinction [3].

Local fishers reported that the shark, which measured three meters in length [1], [2], was caught after it appeared close to the beach [5]. The mako shark, known scientifically as Carcharhinus falciformis, is listed as a species threatened with extinction [3].

Following the capture, the National Institute of Marine Sciences issued a statement criticizing the event. The institute said the handling of the situation was "unscientific and chaotic" [6]. Scientists said that the random capture of such an endangered animal undermines conservation efforts in the region.

While some reports place the sighting near El Quseir [5], other accounts suggest the shark appeared near El Gouna, north of Hurghada [7]. Despite the discrepancy in location, the scientific community remains focused on the illegality and ecological impact of removing a protected predator from the marine ecosystem.

Marine biologists said that the Red Sea serves as a critical habitat for various shark species. The removal of a top predator can disrupt the local food chain, potentially leading to an overpopulation of smaller prey species and a decline in overall reef health.

The National Institute of Marine Sciences said the incident serves as a reminder of the need for stricter enforcement of maritime protections and better education for coastal communities regarding endangered wildlife [6].

“The National Institute of Marine Sciences said the handling of the situation was "unscientific and chaotic".”

The capture of a protected mako shark underscores the gap between international conservation statuses and local enforcement in Egypt's coastal waters. Because mako sharks are slow-growing and have low reproductive rates, the loss of a single mature individual can have a disproportionate impact on the local population's viability. This event likely prompts a call for increased surveillance and the implementation of more rigorous bylaws to prevent the accidental or intentional harvest of endangered marine life.