The cold, often mysterious waters surrounding Iceland frequently spark curiosity about the marine life dwelling beneath their surfaces. Many wonder whether sharks, often associated with warmer, tropical seas, inhabit these northern latitudes. Iceland’s unique marine environment, influenced by both Arctic and North Atlantic currents, supports a diverse ecosystem, including various fish and marine mammals. This dynamic interplay of cold water and abundant prey creates conditions suitable for certain shark species adapted to such extreme conditions.
The Elusive Greenland Shark
The Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) is a prominent inhabitant of Icelandic waters, known for its extraordinary longevity. It holds the record as the longest-living vertebrate on Earth, with an estimated lifespan ranging from 272 to over 500 years. This remarkable lifespan is attributed to its slow metabolism, an adaptation to the deep, cold waters it prefers. The shark reaches sexual maturity around 150 years.
This large species can grow up to 6.4 meters (21 feet) in length and weigh over 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds). Greenland sharks are found in the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, typically inhabiting depths from the surface down to 2,600 meters (8,530 feet) in waters ranging from 1°C to 12°C. They are opportunistic predators, consuming a variety of marine animals, including fish like eels, cod, and seals. Remains of terrestrial animals such as horses, reindeer, and polar bears have been found in their stomachs, suggesting they also scavenge on carrion.
Other Shark Species in Icelandic Waters
While the Greenland shark is the most commonly discussed species, other sharks also inhabit these northern seas. The Porbeagle shark (Lamna nasus) is found in the North Atlantic, including around Iceland. These sharks prefer cold waters, typically between 1°C and 18°C, and can be found from the surface to depths of over 700 meters. Porbeagles are active predators that feed on schooling fish such as herring and mackerel, as well as groundfish and squid.
The Basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus), the second-largest fish globally, occasionally visits Icelandic waters, particularly during summer. Despite its immense size, reaching up to 12 meters (39 feet) in length, this species is a filter feeder that consumes plankton and poses no threat to humans. Spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) are also present in Iceland’s coastal waters.
Shark Encounters and Safety
Encounters between humans and sharks in Icelandic waters are rare. The primary shark species, the Greenland shark, typically inhabits deep, cold waters, which limits interaction with human activities. These sharks are not considered aggressive towards humans, and their slow-moving nature makes them unlikely to pose a threat. Documented shark incidents in Iceland’s history are very few, mostly non-fatal, and often involve scavenging.
The year-round cold water temperatures also mean fewer people engage in recreational swimming or diving, further reducing encounter chances. While Greenland shark meat is toxic due to high levels of trimethylamine N-oxide, it is traditionally processed into “hákarl” after fermentation to remove harmful compounds. For those engaging in marine activities, general safety practices are prudent, though the risk posed by sharks in Iceland remains minimal.