Field Notes
SUMMARY
A group of divers from the Healthy Seas Foundation, Ghost Diving, and SDSS has recorded what is believed to be the first video footage of a great white shark in the Mediterranean. The encounter occurred in the Strait of Sicily while the divers were removing abandoned fishing nets from a sunken vessel. One diver, Derk Remmers, managed to film the shark at close range, describing the experience as both shocking and amazing. Despite historical sightings, great white populations in the Mediterranean are declining due to illegal fishing, with many sharks being illegally sold in North African markets.
TAKEAWAYS
First-ever video footage of a great white shark captured in the Mediterranean Sea.
Divers encountered the shark while clearing ghost fishing nets in the Strait of Sicily.
The great white shark appeared curious rather than aggressive during the encounter.
Illegal fishing continues to endanger great white shark populations in the region.