The Mediterranean Sea has a variety of sea life, and it is possible for sharks to be part of it. Although they may not be seen regularly, they can inhabit this area. The waters are warm enough and the climate is suitable to ensure their presence. Thus, it can be concluded that there are sharks in the Greek waters of the Mediterranean Sea.
Since antiquity, Greek fishermen have regularly encountered sharks both in the Greek seas as well as in the open ocean. In ancient Greek mythology, the Kraken was said to dwell in the depths of the Aegean Sea. While it may seem far-fetched, many species of sharks have been reported from sightings to even video capture. Such evidence points to the fact that there are indeed sharks living in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Greece.
From blue sharks to tiger sharks, there have been sporadic encounters and sightings of both top predators and harmless species like the whitetip and basking sharks. The most commonly reported species are blue sharks, which prefer cooler ocean temperatures, and which can grow up to three meters in length. Professional divers often report encounters with various shark species in the Aegean, where they feed on large numbers of bonito and mackerel.
Researchers have also stumbled upon evidence of oceanic whitetip sharks in the Mediterranean Sea, particularly off the coasts of Greece, Israel and Egypt. These sharks are primarily found in deep ocean waters and can swim at depths of up to 600 meters. They feed on schools of fish, such as tuna and mackerel, and the occasional sea turtle. They are generally more aggressive than the smaller coastal species, and can grow up to four meters in length.
Another infamous species of shark, the great white shark, has been noticed in the Mediterranean, though it is a rare visitor and may just be passing through. Whale sharks have also been observed in the summer months, though their presence is almost as rare as great white sharks.
Greeks Hunting Sharks?
There are reports of fishermen in Greece hunting sharks for their fins for use in the lucrative shark-fin soup trade. This practice is incredibly cruel, as the sharks have their fins cut off and are then thrown back into the sea to die. This not only depletes shark populations, but also degrades and pollutes the waters.
There is little scientific data available on the frequency and extent of shark hunting in Greece, and reports are scarce. What is known, however is that the practice of harvesting shark fins is illegal in Greek waters and that it carries both civil and criminal penalties. The fishing industry has responded by denying the presence of sharks in the Greek seas, and if there are any, they are minimal.
Environmental Impact
The degradation of our oceans from plastics, over-fishing, and other industrial practices has caused a drastic decline in shark populations all across the Mediterranean. They are not only vulnerable to hunting and unwanted harvesting, but their habitats are also threatened.
Pollution of the seas and oceans can affect the health and safety of the aquatic population, and this is the case in the Mediterranean Sea as well. Overfishing, marine debris, plastic and chemical pollutants, and human disturbance are major causes of marine organism mortality in the Mediterranean Sea.
Sharks play a vital role in the environment as they act as a top predator and, in doing so, maintain a balance in the ecosystem through managing the populations of their prey species. This allows for a healthy, sustainable marine ecosystem. The decrease in the number of sharks in the Mediterranean Sea has affected the sea’s delicate balance, leading to an increment of smaller species who, without any control, could cause a substantial environmental impact in the future.
Protection Of Species
The governments of European Union countries including Greece, have joined forces to restore ocean life through the implementation of strict regulations. The aim is to both protect endangered sharks and restore healthy populations.
Protection of sharks and their habitats has become a priority for governments and organizations, as the risks posed by their declining population are already posing a threat to the ecosystem. The hope is that these efforts will lead to a sustainable ocean ecosystem and save these wonderful creatures from extinction.
In 2017, The European Commission published its “Strategy for promoting the sustainable and responsible management of sharks in the Mediterranean Sea”. This strategy outlines measures aimed at ensuring the preservation of endangered shark species by encouraging fishers to adopt good fishing practices. It also calls for greater efforts to reduce human-related impacts such as bycatch and habitat degradation.
Greece As A Conservationist Model
In recent years, Greece has taken a leading role in the conservation of the Mediterranean Sea and its life. Last year, the Greek government announced the establishment of a Mediterranean shark sanctuary. This protected area covers 640,000 square kilometers of Mediterranean waters and includes protected zones, where fishing of sharks is restricted to only certain species.
These established zones also ban bottom trawling, an activity that degrades the seafloor and disrupts the ecosystem. The aim of the sanctuary is to restore healthy populations of sharks in the Mediterranean Sea, as well as to improve conditions for other aquatic species.
Today, Greece is embracing conservation by taking stricter regulations to protect vulnerable species and the marine environment. The hope is that increased efforts in conservation and protection of sharks and other marine species in Greece will lead to a sustainable ocean ecosystem.
Making A Change
Though progress has been made, much more needs to be done if we want to ensure the well-being of sharks and the Mediterranean Sea. From educational initiatives to regular coastal clean-ups, the goal is to leave behind a better ocean for the next generations.
Regulations on businesses such as fisheries and plastic-manufacturing plants should be implemented and strengthened. Governments, organizations and corporations need to join forces and make a joint effort for the protection of marine life, ensuring the sustainability of sharks and seas for years to come.
Awareness campaigns are also a great way to engage people and spread the message of conservation. Through our own participation, we can help in making a change, as small acts can make a great difference.
Protecting The Sharks
Many organizations have made it their mission to protect shark species and collaborated with governments and corporations to create conservation plans. There are numerous initiatives aimed at researching, tracking and protecting sea life, including sharks.
The European Elasmobranch Association has been successful in protecting sharks in European waters and across the world. Their programs are designed to educate the public and foster respect for these creatures. In addition, the Shark Foundation is dedicated to the protection of vulnerable and endangered species in the Mediterranean Sea, and has been working towards the sustainable management of these species since the early 2000’s.
Conclusion
Greece is no stranger to sharks inhabiting its waters. Though these majestic animals face a number of threats, governments, organizations and the public are determined to do all they can in protecting them. With a combined effort, we can make sure that there will be sharks in the Mediterranean, and all other seas, for centuries to come.
