Great white sharks in the Mediterranean Sea are nearing extinction due to rampant illegal fishing off Tunisia’s coast, according to a 2026 report by the Blue Marine Foundation. Researchers warn that weak enforcement of fishing regulations and economic pressures have turned the North African nation into a critical hotspot for the species’ decline.
In Bizerte, Tunisia’s northernmost port, fishermen report increasingly frequent encounters with the sharks, often resulting in accidental captures. Despite legal protections, great white shark meat continues to appear in local markets, selling for as little as $3–$5 per kilogram. "It’s not a preferred catch, but it feeds families when other fish are scarce," a Bizerte-based fisherman told CGTN.
Environmental engineer Hamdi Hached explains that overfishing and climate change are disrupting prey migration patterns, forcing sharks closer to coastal areas. "Declining food resources and warmer waters are reshaping their behavior, increasing conflicts with fisheries," he said.
Tunisian conservation groups are urging expanded patrols, community training in sustainable practices, and regional cooperation to address the crisis. Scientists emphasize that losing this apex predator could destabilize Mediterranean marine ecosystems, impacting fish stocks vital to local economies.
Edited by CGTN Africa's Dinah Matengo.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
