Mediterranean Sharks Vanishing Amid Libyan Legal Vacuum

Legal Vacuum and Overfishing Crisis

Mediterranean sharks, including the eastern longnose spurdog (Squalus grahami) and western longnose spurdog (Squalus nasutus), are experiencing significant declines in Libyan waters due to the lack of effective enforcement of fishing regulations. A 1989 fisheries law prohibits the capture of breeding females during restricted seasons, but illegal fishing persists. Fishermen, affected by Libya’s economic crisis, often catch and sell pregnant sharks, increasing the species’ vulnerability. The longnose spurdog, which can grow up to one meter in length, has a slow reproductive rate—producing one to six pups per pregnancy—making it highly susceptible to overfishing. This exploitation is worsened by the absence of comprehensive protections in Libyan waters, which are vital habitats for many shark species.

Unclear Conservation Status and Data Gaps

The conservation status of these species remains unclear. The IUCN Red List classifies the eastern longnose spurdog as Near Threatened, while the western longnose spurdog is listed as Least Concern. However, the generic term longnose spurdog is marked as data deficient, indicating gaps in scientific understanding. Marine biologist Sara Al Mabruk, who has opposed illegal shark fishing in Libya, highlights the uncertainty surrounding the species’ future without improved data.

Regional Declines and Illegal Trade

Overfishing has been a primary cause of shark population declines in the Mediterranean, with some species experiencing drops of 96-99.99% since the 19th century. A 2021 study found that oceanic shark and ray populations have declined by 71% since 1970, with 38% of species classified as threatened. The 2025 Blue Marine Foundation report notes that protected species, such as great white sharks, are still being sold in North African markets despite international bans. The report mentions that at least 40 great white sharks were killed in North Africa in 2025, with social media footage showing protected sharks being landed and prepared for sale in Algeria and Tunisia. This illegal trade underscores the failure of enforcement mechanisms and the persistence of black-market demand for shark products.

Habitat Degradation and Ecological Impacts

Habitat degradation from human activities has intensified threats to Mediterranean sharks. Coastal habitat loss, driven by urbanization, industrial development, and pollution, has disrupted marine ecosystems and reduced critical breeding and feeding grounds. Industrial activities, such as deep-sea mining and coastal construction, have further degraded habitats, particularly for species like great white sharks. These anthropogenic pressures, combined with overfishing, create a dual threat to shark populations, undermining their ability to recover.

Biodiversity Crisis and Ecological Consequences

The Mediterranean’s unique biodiversity is increasingly under strain. For example, the decline of top predators like sharks can lead to ecological imbalances, such as the overpopulation of mid-level consumers and the collapse of food chains. This disruption has far-reaching consequences for marine ecosystems, affecting everything from fish stocks to coral reef health. Conservationists warn that without urgent intervention, the region’s marine biodiversity could face irreversible damage, with cascading effects on both ecological and human livelihoods.

Enforcement Challenges and Regional Cooperation

Weak enforcement of existing laws and the absence of regional coordination have hindered conservation efforts in the Mediterranean. Libya’s 1989 fisheries law, which regulates fishing seasons and gear, is not strictly enforced, and prohibited species lists are absent. This legal vacuum allows illegal fishing to thrive, with sharks often caught and sold without regard for conservation. Similar challenges exist in other Mediterranean countries, where inconsistent enforcement and fragmented governance exacerbate the problem.

Community Efforts and Conservation Pathways

Despite the challenges, conservationists and local communities are working to mitigate the decline of Mediterranean sharks. Marine biologist Sara Al Mabruk’s campaign highlights the need for improved data collection and stronger enforcement mechanisms. Her efforts to return pregnant sharks to the sea have raised awareness, though the scale of the problem remains daunting. International organizations, such as the Blue Marine Foundation, emphasize the importance of sustainable fishing practices and stricter enforcement of existing laws to protect shark populations.

The Road Ahead

The path forward requires a multifaceted approach, including enhanced monitoring, regional cooperation, and economic incentives for sustainable fishing. Addressing the root causes of overfishing—such as poverty and lack of alternative livelihoods—is critical to ensuring the survival of Mediterranean sharks. Without urgent action, the region’s marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them face an uncertain future. The vanishing of these apex predators is not just an ecological crisis but a warning of the broader consequences of human activity on the planet’s biodiversity.