Great white sharks in the Mediterranean Sea are critically endangered due to illegal fishing, particularly in North African fish markets. Research by US scientists and the Blue Marine Foundation highlights the alarming decline of these sharks, with over 40 reported killed in 2025. Despite efforts to study and tag these sharks, researchers found no specimens, indicating a severely degraded ecosystem. The international legal protections for these species are not effectively enforced, leading to continued threats. Conservationists emphasize the need for sustainable fishing practices and international cooperation to protect these sharks.