An extraordinary moment for marine research: for the first time, a great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) has been confirmed in Ecuadorian waters! Researchers from the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galápagos National Park documented the sighting about 90 kilometers west of Wolf Island – outside the Galápagos Marine Protection Area.
The head of the shark project at the Charles Darwin Station reported in November 2024 the sighting of a female great white shark about 4 to 4.5 meters long near a bait box. It is suspected that the unexpected visit of this legendary marine predator could be related to the special oceanographic conditions of the La Niña phenomenon in 2021, which is causing unusually cold waters in the eastern Pacific.
Why is this discovery so significant?
The great white shark is one of the ocean's most important hunters and plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. By regulating other animal populations, it ensures healthy marine habitats. Nevertheless, it is under severe pressure: the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies it as “vulnerable” because it is threatened by bycatch, poaching and habitat loss.
“This sighting underscores the importance of marine protected areas and demonstrates the Galápagos Islands' critical importance for biodiversity,” explains Jenifer Suárez, director of ecosystems at the Galápagos National Park.
For scientists, this find is a milestone, but also a wake-up call: protecting our oceans is essential to preserving fascinating species like the great white shark. The Galápagos Islands remain a biodiversity hotspot – and perhaps many more exciting discoveries await us!