Posted on: 10 July 2024

This September, a team of Irish shark scientists will host OCEARCH, a U.S.-based non-profit dedicated to great white shark research, with the aim of documenting the first confirmed sightings of great white sharks in Irish waters.

Ireland is renowned as a global hotspot for various shark species, including the basking shark, porbeagle, and tope shark. However, the great white shark has yet to be officially recorded in Irish seas. Historically, great whites were abundant in the Mediterranean, but their populations have significantly declined due to overfishing. While confirmed sightings of great whites have been reported as far north as the Bay of Biscay, accounts from Ireland and the UK remain largely anecdotal. Just last week, reports emerged of a potential sighting off the Galway coast, but experts now believe the video evidence was likely not filmed in Irish waters.

Dr. Nick Payne, Assistant Professor at Trinity College Dublin’s School of Natural Sciences, leads the Irish expedition and is hopeful about their chances of success: "Those of us who study great whites in other parts of the world have long viewed Ireland as a potential occasional habitat for these sharks. The water temperature and food sources are ideal, so it's only a matter of time before we find one here. Having some of the world’s top great white researchers in Ireland for this search is thrilling. It's also a fantastic opportunity to showcase the other remarkable sharks in our waters and the conservation challenges they face."

The expedition will bring together researchers from Trinity, University College Dublin, University College Cork, Munster Technological University, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, the Marine Institute, and Fair Seas. While searching for great whites, the team will also conduct research on other shark and ray species that are of conservation concern.

Dr. Harley Newton, OCEARCH's Chief Scientist & Veterinarian, underscores the importance of maintaining healthy shark populations: "Sharks play a critical role as keystone species in marine ecosystems. As apex predators, they help regulate prey populations, influencing the diversity and abundance of other marine species. This balance is vital for the health of marine habitats and human livelihoods. This expedition offers a valuable opportunity to advance our understanding of Ireland’s shark populations and why their conservation is crucial."

Approximately 40 species of sharks inhabit Irish waters, many of which face significant threats and are listed as Endangered, Critically Endangered, or Vulnerable. While sharks in Ireland are rarely targeted for consumption, they are frequently caught unintentionally as by-catch in other fisheries. Additionally, habitat destruction and climate change pose serious risks to their populations. Sharks are especially vulnerable due to their slow growth rates and low reproductive output.

Dr. Payne added: "The Irish government has obligations to protect local shark populations, but effective conservation requires a solid understanding of what species are present and how their populations are changing. While I'm eager to potentially see a great white this September, I’m equally excited about the collaborative effort of bringing together top shark researchers to learn more about Ireland's shark populations and develop strategies for their future conservation."