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Mallorca's Can Pere Antoni beach recently became the scene of a shocking discovery when the carcass of a large shark, about four metres long and bearing severe bite wounds, washed ashore. Crowds of beachgoers gathered to see the animal, taking photos and videos that soon went viral across social media, sparking fear and fascination about giant predators lurking in local waters.

 

Initially, the deep wound on the shark’s side was thought to be a bite from an even larger sea creature, feeding speculation of unknown marine predators in the Balearics. However, Debora Morrison, director of the Palma Aquarium Foundation, has since clarified that the shark was a female gray shark, a vulnerable deep-sea species, and that its injury was likely caused by an axe blow to the neck, not a predator’s bite. The shark was already decomposing when found, indicating it had been dead for some time.

 

This unsettling episode is not an isolated one. Back in 2019, another female grey shark was discovered in Puerto Portals with severe injuries, including a severed spine and multiple stab wounds, likely linked to fishing activity. These incidents highlight the ongoing threats to Balearic shark populations from fishing gear and careless seafaring practices.

 

Experts and environmentalists urge for immediate conservation measures, including stricter controls on fishing, protection of sensitive habitats, and scientific monitoring to better understand and safeguard these fascinating but vulnerable creatures. Morrison reminded the public that sharks, despite their feared image, play a vital role in marine ecosystems by regulating species populations and maintaining ocean health.

 

While photos of the dead shark on the beach prompted curiosity, scientists caution against normalising such human-caused deaths. The recent discovery serves as a sombre reminder that even the Mediterranean is not immune to the global threats endangering biodiversity. Without effective action, scenes like this could sadly become more common on Mallorca’s coastline.

 

 

 

 

Image: John/Pexels