Adverse Effects on Sea Creatures
Although white sharks live in the Mediterranean Sea, their presence is an issue of great concern to conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts. The primary reason for this is that an increase of white shark populations in the area could cause irreparable damage to the other species inhabiting the Mediterranean – many of which are already in danger.
White sharks are apex predators that eat other large fish and marine mammals, and can significantly alter the balance of an ecosystem. The imbalance of an ecosystem has been shown to cause waves of extinction, especially for smaller and vulnerable species. As a result, the major priority for marine biologists is to protect and preserve the species that currently populate the Mediterranean.
Releases of Captured Sharks
Throughout the Mediterranean, it is not uncommon to find sharks being held in captivity and then subsequently released into open water. For example, a study conducted by researchers from the University of Valencia found that 23% of the sharks they categorized were artificially released. Although it is true that these releases have contributed to the increase in white shark populations, they are but one factor among many that have encouraged the entry of these sharks into the Mediterranean.
The study found that the introduced population could survive and even reproduce in the Mediterranean, suggesting that humans have unintentionally caused a change in the region’s fish populations. This is problematic, as the introduced sharks may outcompete native species for food, leading to a reduction in their population, and to disruption of the existing ecosystem.
Climate Change and Shark Migrations
The fact that white sharks have been found in the Mediterranean could be linked to the changes in climate that have taken place in the past decades. As the sea temperatures rise, the water becomes more hospitable for larger species, including sharks.
It is also possible that white sharks are migrating in response to changes in the availability of food. It is not hard to imagine that with more people fishing in the Mediterranean, many species have had to migrate elsewhere in order to feed. As sharks are highly mobile and able to adapt to new environments quickly, this could explain why they are so abundant in the region.
Significance of White Sharks in the Ecosystem
It is important to note that while white sharks can pose a potential risk to other marine species, they are a key species in the overall balance of an ecosystem. By tracking and observing these sharks, marine biologists can gain insight into the behavior of other species, as well as clues to the intricate relationships between ocean creatures.
Their presence can also be an indication of how healthy an environment is and how resilient it is to future disturbance. With the current trends of climate change, ocean acidification, and overfishing, white sharks can serve as an early warning system for when an ecosystem is in need of protection.
White Sharks as a Threat to Humans
Despite their importance to the ecosystem, the presence of white sharks in the Mediterranean is of grave concern to humans as well. While incidents of shark attack are rare, they are certainly not unheard of. Therefore, people planning to go swimming in areas with known populations of white sharks are advised to take caution.
Furthermore, white sharks are known to attack boats and interfere with leisurely activities such as fishing and boating. This can be especially dangerous, especially for smaller boats, which may not be able to sustain an attack from such a powerful animal.
Conclusion
It is clear that white sharks present both an environmental, and a human threat, with the potential to disrupt the delicate balance of a marine ecosystem and cause damage to life and property. However, with proper management and careful observation, the presence of these animals in the Mediterranean may not have to be a cause for alarm.
Results of Overfishing
The Mediterranean Sea has experienced overfishing, leading to a drastic decrease in fish populations. As a consequence, species that depend on a certain number of fish in order to survive have been under threat as well. Sharks are among the many species that are impacted by the overfishing. White sharks, one of the more prevalently found species in the Mediterranean, are particularly prone to suffer due to overfishing.
As a major predator, white sharks play an important role in the habitat by controlling the populations of the species below them in the food chain. As a consequence of the overfishing that has taken place in the region, the populations of these predators have been impacted, as there are fewer sources of food available. As a result, the population of white sharks has suffered, leading to a decrease in the number of these species being found in the region.
Industrial Pollution in the Sea
The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most polluted places on the planet. Pollution caused by the industrial activities of humans has had a massive impact on the ecosystem in the area, including the presence of white sharks. The pollutants that are found in the water can lead to health issues in the sharks and other species, as well as impairing the aquatic environment.
Heavy metals, chemicals and oil are among the pollutants that are left behind as a result of industrial activity, some of which have been linked to a decrease in the fertility of sharks. This has led to a decrease in the population of these creatures, as well as an increase in the amount of pollutants that can be found in the area. This can be dangerous for both humans and sea creatures.
Fishing Policies in the Mediterranean
The fish populations in the Mediterranean have been under stress for some time now, and the presence of white sharks has only added to the problem. In order to protect the valuable fish that still inhabit the area, some countries have enacted policies in order to restrict the amount of fishing activities in the area.
These policies aim to prevent overfishing, which can cause a large decrease in the number of available fish. At the same time, these policies also help to protect sharks from being hunted, as it can be difficult to tell the difference between a shark and other fish. By protecting sharks from being hunted, the population can be given a chance to recover, leading to a more balanced ecosystem.
