Scientists confirm presence of white sharks in the Mediterranean Sea

In recent years, a project led by Francesco Ferretti at Virginia Tech's SeaQL Lab has focused on studying the elusive Mediterranean white shark, which is critically endangered. Partnering with the International SeaKeepers Society and Virginia Tech's Genomics Sequencing Center, they employ cutting-edge techniques such as environmental DNA (eDNA) to track and monitor these sharks. By collecting genetic material left in the environment, researchers are able to gather essential data without needing to catch or visually identify the animals. Their efforts have been particularly directed towards enhancing understanding of white shark populations in the Mediterranean, which many people are unaware inhabit these waters. The White Shark Chase project, initiated in 2020, combines eDNA analysis with traditional methods like satellite tagging. This innovative approach aims to fill gaps in the knowledge of white sharks and other endangered species. Over the past year, findings have been published confirming white shark presence in key areas, including the Sicilian Channel and Croatia's Adriatic Sea. By processing various eDNA samples, the research team successfully identified numerous shark and ray species, demonstrating the effectiveness of this noninvasive method. Citizen boaters contribute valuable eDNA samples, enriching the data collection scope. Notably, the SeaQL Lab has demonstrated a high match accuracy when identifying species, with a significant portion of samples yielding over 99 percent genetic match. This reliability emphasizes the complementary role of eDNA in marine conservation efforts. With this project, citizen scientists directly engage in monitoring and supporting the protection of marine ecosystems, which effectively empowers local communities to participate in conservation. The project has garnered interest and enthusiasm among researchers and the public alike, with goals to tag the first Mediterranean white sharks in the near future. This initiative could lead to significant advancements in the monitoring and protection of these apex predators. The urgency of this work cannot be understated; as trends indicate declining populations of marine species, timely action is critical for the survival of sharks and rays in the Mediterranean region.