The lay abstract featured today (for Estimating the spatial distribution of the white shark in the Mediterranean Sea via an integrated species distribution model accounting for physical barriers by Greta Panunzi, Stefano Moro, Isa Marques, Sara Martino, Francesco Colloca, Francesco Ferretti, Giovanna Jona Lasinio is from Environmetrics, with the full article now available to read here.

Abstract

Large predatory sharks are declining worldwide, but often lack enough abundance and distribution data to inform effective conservation strategies. Protecting oceanic apex predators is crucial because they play a key role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. Their removal can trigger a wide range of cascading effects and ecosystem consequences whose full extent, however, is still poorly understood.

The Mediterranean white shark is one of the least known and most endangered white shark populations worldwide. The IUCN lists this species as Critically Endangered, but we know very little about its population size, distribution, and habitat. Data are scarce and often opportunistic, making research difficult and expensive.

This study used a new approach to predict and map the distribution of white sharks in the Mediterranean Sea by combining and standardizing various data sources. For the first time, we projected landscapes of relative abundance, identifying hotspots that are now the target of more in-depth analyses and explorations. These findings were instrumental for developing a multi-annual monitoring program in key sectors of the Mediterranean Sea, significantly enhancing efforts to conserve white sharks in the region.