Conservation divers recorded what they believe is the first underwater footage of an adult great white shark in the Mediterranean Sea [2].
The sighting is significant because great white sharks are considered critically endangered in the Mediterranean region [4]. Documenting an adult specimen in its natural habitat provides rare data on the survival and movement of a species that has largely vanished from these waters.
The encounter occurred May 13, 2026 [1], in the Strait of Sicily. This area of the central Mediterranean is located between Italy and Tunisia [2]. The footage was captured by a team of three conservation divers, including Derk Remmers [1].
The team was not searching for sharks when the encounter happened. The divers were on a mission to remove abandoned fishing nets from the seabed [1]. These "ghost nets" pose a constant threat to marine wildlife safety by entangling animals, and destroying habitats.
While great white sharks are known to migrate across oceans, sightings in the Mediterranean are exceptionally rare. The divers said the clarity and perspective of the footage confirm the animal is an adult [2]. This distinguishes the recording from previous surface sightings or smaller juvenile encounters.
By removing the debris that threatens these apex predators, the divers' primary goal was environmental restoration. The accidental filming of the shark serves as a reminder of the biodiversity that persists in the region despite heavy human impact [1].
“The first underwater footage of an adult great white shark in the Mediterranean.”
The presence of an adult great white shark in the Strait of Sicily suggests that the Mediterranean may still support apex predators despite severe habitat degradation. Because the species is critically endangered in this region, this footage provides critical evidence for conservationists advocating for the removal of abandoned fishing gear and the establishment of protected marine corridors.
