Sharks are present in the waters off the coast of Peru, making them a significant part of the region’s marine ecosystem. Peru’s extensive Pacific coastline, stretching over 1,500 miles, provides diverse habitats for a wide variety of marine life, including at least 66 different shark species. These sharks range from small, bottom-dwelling species to large, highly migratory pelagic predators. The country’s waters are an important area for feeding, reproduction, and migration for numerous types of sharks.
The Unique Marine Environment of Peru
Peru’s marine environment is characterized by the powerful influence of the cold, nutrient-rich Humboldt Current, also known as the Peruvian Current. This current drives a process called coastal upwelling, where deep, cold water rises to the surface. Upwelling brings vital nutrients from the seafloor, such as nitrates and phosphates, into the sunlit zone of the ocean.
This influx of nutrients fuels an explosive growth of phytoplankton, forming the base of an exceptionally high-biomass food web. The high productivity supports enormous populations of small fish, like anchoveta, which in turn attract larger predatory fish, marine mammals, and various shark species. The Northern Humboldt Current System is recognized as one of the world’s most productive ocean ecosystems, creating a dense concentration of prey that sustains top predators.
The Peruvian coastline also features a narrow continental shelf, quickly dropping off into the deep waters of the Peru-Chile Trench. This steep drop-off creates distinct nearshore and offshore zones that accommodate different shark life stages and species. The mixture of cold, nutrient-rich water from the south and warmer, more tropical water from the north creates a transition zone, further contributing to the high biodiversity of elasmobranchs.
Key Shark Species Found in Peruvian Waters
Pelagic sharks, which inhabit the open ocean far from the coast, include the blue shark and the shortfin mako. The blue shark is the most commonly caught shark off Peru’s shores and is an exceptionally slender, wide-ranging species that is intensively fished worldwide. The shortfin mako, renowned as one of the fastest sharks, is the second most frequently caught species and is rarely sighted near coastlines.
Coastal and migratory species are also well-represented, including the smooth hammerhead and the common thresher shark. The smooth hammerhead is often landed along the Peruvian coast, and the northern waters are an important reproductive area for this species. Thresher sharks, which use their long tails to stun prey, are significant predators in the area and are drawn to the abundance of squid and fish.
Bottom-dwelling sharks are common in the shallower coastal areas and on the continental shelf. These include species like the Pacific angel shark and various smooth-hound sharks. The bluntnose sixgill shark is mainly a deepwater resident, though juveniles may be found in shallower systems. While less common, highly migratory species like the great white shark are occasionally reported, indicating their presence as visitors or transient residents in the colder, southern waters.
Human Interaction and Safety Considerations
The risk of a shark encounter for swimmers and surfers in Peru is extremely low. Peru has recorded a remarkably low number of unprovoked shark attacks. The International Shark Attack File (ISAF) has recorded only a single historical incident in Peru, which occurred in 1849.
Despite the low risk to humans, the relationship between humans and sharks in Peru is complex. Peru is a major global player in shark fisheries, with high volumes of sharks caught both intentionally and as bycatch. The smooth hammerhead is the third most captured shark species in Peru, and the bulk of the catch is composed of neonates and juveniles, suggesting fishing pressure on nursery grounds.
The consumption of shark meat is widespread, particularly in northern regions, though many Peruvian consumers are unaware they are eating shark, which is often sold under the generic name “tollo”. For tourists, safety involves simple awareness, as the large pelagic species that pose any theoretical risk are generally offshore, not near popular tourist beaches.
Conservation Efforts and Monitoring
Conservation efforts in Peru are focused on managing the significant fishing pressure. The country’s environmental and production ministries (MINAM and PRODUCE) work with international bodies to ensure sustainable trade and compliance with international agreements like the Convention on International Trade on Endangered Species (CITES). Peru has implemented monitoring programs and research projects to better understand local shark populations.
An important step was the protection of the whale shark in 2017. Organizations are also actively studying vulnerable species like the Chilean angel shark, which is listed as Critically Endangered, to provide the necessary data for improved national management plans. Collaboration with local fishing communities is a central part of conservation, helping fishers monitor shark movements and aggregation sites.