A significant shark was sighted in the waters off Majorca shortly after a great white shark was captured in Spanish waters. The Majorca Daily Bulletin reported that the “sizeable shark caused alarm” during a sailing event in Palma Bay last Friday.
A sailor captured footage of the shark swimming calmly while numerous sailboats participated in the regatta near the shore. The Majorca Daily News noted that while uncommon, such sightings can occur at specific times in the Balearic waters.
The video footage did not clearly identify the shark species. Shark expert Juan Poyatos suggested it could be a mako shark, known as an agile ocean predator that preys on swift fish. Aniol Esteban, director of the Marilles Foundation, indicated that the shark likely belongs to the Lamnidae family, which includes species like the mako and great white sharks.
The mako shark is renowned for its speed and hunting prowess, capable of sprinting at high speeds to catch its prey. In a separate incident, a juvenile great white shark was discovered off the eastern coast of Spain, indicating a possible resurgence of the species in the Mediterranean.
Juan Poyatos emphasized the importance of shark presence in maintaining a healthy marine ecosystem, noting the decline of these species in the Mediterranean. Despite some viewing sharks negatively, their existence signifies a thriving sea, which is particularly crucial as many have vanished from the region.
