Diver captures rare footage of great white shark in the Mediterranean Sea – video

A diver has captured rare underwater footage of an adult great white shark in the Mediterranean Sea, specifically in the Strait of Sicily between Tunisia and Italy. This significant sighting occurred during an environmental mission organized by the NGO Healthy Seas Foundation, in collaboration with Ghost Diving and the Society for Documentation of Submerged Sites. The primary objective of this mission was the removal of abandoned fishing nets, a persistent threat to marine ecosystems. Healthy Seas Foundation announced the video, stating it is believed to be the first underwater footage of an adult great white shark in its natural Mediterranean habitat. The organization highlighted the precarious status of the species in the region, noting that great white sharks are considered to be nearing extinction in the Mediterranean. This decline is attributed by Healthy Seas to various threats, with overfishing being a primary concern. The presence of a healthy adult shark, however, offers a glimmer of hope and underscores the importance of ongoing conservation efforts in this vital marine corridor. The Strait of Sicily is a critical area for many marine species, and its health is indicative of the broader Mediterranean ecosystem's condition. Documenting such rare encounters provides valuable data for scientists and conservationists working to protect endangered marine life and their habitats from human-induced pressures.