They hide In the Sicilian Channel The The last great white sharks in the MediterraneanI The biggest predatory fish Of the planet: theirs Tracks Identified during several expeditions led by Italian Francesco Ferretti of the American Virginia Tech, he went to try Find out if these animals are endangered. study, Published The journal Frontiers in Marine Science also saw the participation of the Polytechnic University of Marche and the Anton Dorn Zoological Center of Naples. The research aims to be the first step in establishing a shark monitoring program in the region as part of ongoing efforts to prevent shark disappearances.
“We decided Accept the challenge and find the last remaining great white sharks in the Mediterranean“, says Ferretti:”It wasn't easy“Purpose of Research The first step is to establish a monitoring program Sharks in the region are part of efforts to prevent their disappearance.
“These They feed mainly on tuna and small fishOne thing This almost turns our understanding of sharks upside down“, says Taylor Chapple of the University of Oregon, co-author of the study. “This diet allows these animals, which They weigh a couple of tonsSurviving on truly surprising resources: seals, which white sharks often feed on, are much bulkier than tuna, but allow the latter to still reach that size.”
Over time exportarranged 2021 to 2023Researchers have used new methods and technologies such asEnvironmental DNA analysisso called eDNAThis allows you to Find traces of animal DNA in waterAnd Underwater cameras Bait is placed to attract sharks. Led the trip team MarsalaAt the northwest tip of Sicily, to several islands such as Lampedusa And PantelleriaUntil you get over it Tunisia And Malta.
When the efforts paid off Five occasionsThey were Identify the clues Especially in The southern part of the Sicilian Channel. “This area is very affected by the impact of fishing activities – adds Ferretti – and that's it This is where we are now concentrating our efforts: These first pilot trips have really allowed us to rethink a larger project. Valuable information Where to focus Future endeavors“.
The group is now planning and fundraising New exportIn the Sicilian Channel and other parts of the Mediterranean. “We know there There is a warm place – concludes the Italian researcher – but there may be other important areas in the Eastern Mediterranean, which may have important habitats such as a white shark nursery”.
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