Home / Environment / Researchers Probe Mysterious Death of Endangered Great White Shark
Researchers Probe Mysterious Death of Endangered Great White Shark
13 Nov
Summary
- Adult male great white shark found dead on P.E.I. beach
- Shark had recently eaten large meal of seals and porpoises
- Cause of death remains unknown, could provide insights on species
On October 30, 2023, researchers were alerted to the discovery of a massive, 4-meter adult male great white shark stranded on a beach in Prince Edward Island's National Park. By the time Parks Canada ecologists arrived the next morning, the 2,000-pound creature had unfortunately died on a nearby sandbar.
A team worked to tow the shark to a nearby wharf and then hoist it onto a trailer to transport it to the Atlantic Veterinary College for further examination. Experts performed a necropsy and found that the shark had recently consumed a large meal of grey seals and harbor porpoises, indicating it was healthy and feeding normally right up until its death.
However, the cause of the shark's demise remains a mystery. Wildlife pathologist Laura Bourque noted that tests for many white shark diseases and infections do not yet exist, so determining the exact cause could take months. While an unexplained death is disappointing, it could also be a sign of hope for the rebounding Atlantic white shark population.
Great white sharks are considered an endangered species in Canada, so understanding this incident could provide valuable insights about the species. Researcher Neil Hammerschlag said sightings of the apex predators in Atlantic Canada waters are becoming more common, a positive sign of a healthier marine ecosystem.
