The Mediterranean Sea, one of the world’s most overfished bodies of water, is experiencing a rapid decline in great white shark populations, which are now nearing extinction. Despite international protections, dozens of these apex predators are still killed each year, particularly along the North African coast.

New research by the Blue Marine Foundation highlights Tunisia as a significant hotspot, where weak enforcement of fishing regulations and economic pressures continue to drive illegal catches. This threatens both marine ecosystems and local fishing livelihoods.

In Bizerte, Tunisia's historic northern port and the northernmost city in Africa, fishermen report that encounters with great white sharks are becoming more frequent. These encounters often result in accidental captures and illegal fishing incidents, exacerbating the problem.

Although the great white shark is legally protected, it continues to appear on local markets in Tunisia. In some fishing communities, accidental catches have turned into a source of income.

"The great white shark provides a large quantity of meat and is widely available. While it is not a staple food, it is consumed in some coastal communities. Its price, ranging between three and five dollars, makes it affordable for many consumers," a local fisherman told CGTN.

According to scientists, the great white shark is a vital predator, helping regulate marine ecosystems, with its movements closely tied to changes in the migration of key prey species in the Mediterranean.

However, overfishing, coupled with climate change, is disrupting the migration patterns of the great white shark’s prey. As fish species shift their movements due to rising ocean temperatures, sharks are forced to follow new routes, often bringing them closer to coastal areas and increasing the likelihood of human–shark interactions.

"Other factors are also at play, most notably overfishing, which puts pressure on economically valuable fish species that form a key part of their diet. This decline in food resources is pushing the great white shark to move toward new areas, often closer to the coast, increasing the likelihood of human–shark interactions," said Hamdi Hached, an environmental engineer.

Environmental organizations in Tunisia are calling for increased support, awareness campaigns, and training in sustainable fishing methods. They stress that addressing illegal fishing and promoting sustainable practices are essential to protecting the great white shark and the broader marine ecosystem.

Edited by CGTN Africa's Dinah Matengo.