Divers Film Astonishing Great White in Ghost Net Mission

Volunteer technical divers were astonished to film an adult great white shark during a mission to clear abandoned fishing nets from a shipwreck in the Strait of Sicily. This encounter, occurring at approximately 40 meters depth, is believed to be the first underwater footage of such a shark in the Mediterranean. The divers were part of a Healthy Seas Foundation initiative aimed at removing dangerous ghost nets.

The shark, described as curious but not aggressive, circled the divers before departing. Marine biologists emphasize the scientific value of such sightings, as most knowledge of Mediterranean great whites comes from dead specimens. These encounters are crucial for understanding the behavior of this critically endangered species. The mission also highlighted the pervasive problem of ghost nets, which trap and kill marine life continuously.

Diving operations recovered sections of these nets, with plans for safe disposal or recycling. Divers estimate that between one to ten percent of global fishing gear is lost annually, amounting to over half a million tonnes. They stress that volunteer efforts are insufficient to combat the crisis, advocating for policy changes to address illegal and industrial fishing practices responsible for the majority of lost gear.