White Sharks Face Critical Conservation Challenges as New Studies Reveal Population Concerns

Critical Status of White Sharks Revealed in Latest Research

A groundbreaking research study released in June 2025 has unveiled concerning findings about Australia’s great white shark population, using DNA sequence data from over 600 Australian great white sharks to assess their genetic structure.

The research revealed that sharks from eastern and southern Australia constitute a single breeding population, with an alarming discovery that there are fewer than 500 breeding animals across Australia’s entire coastline.

Ecosystem Impact and Conservation Challenges

A parallel study published in Frontiers in Marine Science has documented significant ecosystem disruptions following the disappearance of Great white sharks from False Bay, South Africa. This research, conducted by scientists at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science, spans over two decades and highlights the crucial role these apex predators play in maintaining ocean health.

White sharks are vital for ocean health, occupying the top of the food web and maintaining its balance. Without healthy shark populations, food webs can become unstable and potentially collapse.

Conservation Efforts and Protection Measures

While White Sharks are not listed under the U.S. ESA, they are listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This listing indicates that while not necessarily threatened with immediate extinction, they may become so if trade is not properly regulated.

There is some positive news, as according to NOAA Fisheries status review and recent research, the northeastern Pacific white shark population appears to be increasing and is not at risk of becoming endangered in U.S. waters. However, globally, great white sharks continue to face multiple man-made threats, from overfishing and habitat degradation caused by pollution to climate change.

Future Outlook

Experts emphasize the importance for all Australian governments to ensure ocean health, noting that while humans are the white shark’s biggest threat, we’re also its only hope. Conservation organizations are calling for an immediate end to shark culling programs and the continual improvement in how fisheries operate to protect these magnificent creatures.