Sharks are present in European waters, inhabiting various marine environments from cold northern seas to the warmer Mediterranean. This region’s diverse underwater landscapes support a wide array of shark species, including common and lesser-known populations.
Where Sharks Call Home in European Waters
Sharks inhabit distinct regions across European waters. The Mediterranean Sea is home to an estimated 47 shark species, ranging from deep-water dwellers found beyond 200 meters to those venturing into shallower coastal areas.
The Atlantic Ocean, including the North Atlantic and Bay of Biscay, also supports diverse shark populations. Its varied habitats, from deep oceanic trenches to continental shelf waters, attract both pelagic and benthic species. Varying water temperatures allow a broader range of shark species to thrive.
The North Sea, a colder and shallower body of water, hosts fewer shark species than the Mediterranean or Atlantic. Approximately 17 species of sharks and rays are found there, including dogfish and the starry smooth-hound. The Baltic Sea, however, has a very limited shark presence due to its low salinity and unique environmental conditions.
Diverse Shark Species of Europe
European waters are home to a wide variety of shark species. Commonly encountered species include the blue shark, shortfin mako, thresher shark, basking shark, porbeagle, and occasionally, the great white shark.
The blue shark (Prionace glauca) is a pelagic species frequently found in the Mediterranean and Atlantic. These sharks measure around 3 meters (10 feet) in length, are known for their curious nature, and feed on squid, fish, crabs, and smaller sharks. The shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), one of the fastest sharks globally, can reach speeds of 70 km/h and grows up to 4 meters. This species inhabits coastal waters and often swims near the surface, though sightings are rare due to population declines.
Thresher sharks (Alopias vulpinus) are notable for their elongated caudal fin, which can be as long as their body. They are found in deep-sea environments in the western Mediterranean and use their tail to stun prey. The basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) is the second-largest fish in the world, growing up to 12 meters (40 feet) and weighing up to 7 tons. Despite its size, it is a harmless filter feeder, consuming plankton with its enormous mouth open. These sharks often appear near the surface, particularly during summer, in temperate oceans worldwide.
The porbeagle shark (Lamna nasus), a relative of the mako and great white, is a cold-adapted species present year-round in the North Sea and other European Atlantic waters. It can regulate its body temperature, allowing it to thrive in colder environments. While rare, great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) are found in the Mediterranean Sea. Sightings are infrequent, but records confirm their presence, particularly in areas like the Sicilian Channel and the Ligurian Sea, where they feed on large bony fish, rays, and other marine animals.
Understanding Shark Encounters and Conservation
Shark encounters in European waters are exceptionally rare, especially unprovoked attacks on humans. Data indicates that only 36 shark attacks have been recorded in the Mediterranean over the past 150 years, with few proving fatal. The risk of a shark interaction is minimal, given the millions who swim in these seas annually. Most shark species in European waters are deep-sea dwellers or not considered dangerous to humans.
The perceived increase in shark sightings is often attributed to better drone technology and social media sharing, not necessarily a rise in shark populations. Climate change may also influence shark movements, as some species shift their habitats towards cooler poles. However, the actual number of shark sightings has reportedly reduced by as much as 90 percent in some areas, like the Mediterranean, over the last 30 years.
Shark conservation is a significant concern in Europe, as many shark populations have declined due to human activities. Overfishing is a primary threat, with Europe home to major players in shark fishing. Sharks are particularly vulnerable due to their slow growth rates, late maturation, and low reproductive output, making them sensitive to fishing pressure. Bycatch, the unintentional capture of sharks in fishing gear targeting other species, also contributes to population depletion.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect these marine animals. The European Union has implemented an Action Plan for the Conservation and Management of Sharks, which includes measures like banning shark finning and promoting science-based fishing limits. Several species, such as the great white shark and basking shark, are protected under international conventions like the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). Organizations are also working to reduce bycatch mortality and improve handling techniques for sharks released from fishing gear.