Large sharks absent in Balearic Sea study

Large sharks left no genetic trace in a survey of the Balearic Sea around the Cabrera Archipelago, off Mallorca, Shark Med and the Save the Med Foundation said on 19 August. The campaigns, carried out in 2024 and 2025, also sampled the Emile Baudot seamount and found low overall diversity among sharks and rays.

The environmental DNA analysis found no traces of mako sharks, great white sharks or hammerhead sharks. The organisations said the findings point to the extreme scarcity of these species in the Mediterranean and reinforce the case for stricter protection.

Water sampling at 12 sites

Researchers surveyed 12 strategically selected locations across the two years to look for seasonal patterns. Despite at times difficult weather and sea conditions, they obtained about 80 valid samples.

A robot filtered water on site at different depths, collecting microscopic traces such as skin, scales and bodily fluids. Scientists then sequenced the DNA and compared it with reference databases. Because DNA breaks down quickly in the water column, the method indicates animals that have been in the area recently.

Only 13 shark and ray species identified

Genetic material linked to sharks and rays made up an extremely small share of the samples. The team identified 13 species in total: five sharks and eight rays, with the greatest variety found between Cabrera and Mallorca.

The study concludes that both the diversity and overall abundance of sharks and rays in the survey area are low. It highlights the Emile Baudot seamount as an important potential area for open-sea species. Shark Med and the Save the Med Foundation are planning further campaigns on shark and ray ecology in the Balearic Islands.

The work forms part of the European Union Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, through a grant to the Balearic Islands Government, with support from the Marilles Foundation.

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com