When my young Canadian friends, Ceili and Georgia, visited, they hesitated about swimming in the Mediterranean. Their big question? "Are there sharks in Turkey?"
This article dives into the facts about sharks in Turkey and the Mediterranean, easing fears while uncovering some surprising truths.
Sharks in Turkey: What You Should Know
The Mediterranean Sea is home to around 50 species of sharks, including famous ones like hammerheads and great whites. But before you panic — let's put this into perspective.
Why Don’t We Hear About Shark Attacks in Turkey?
- The Mediterranean is vast. Spanning 2.5 million km² and averaging 1,500 meters deep, the sea offers sharks plenty of room to roam far from crowded beaches.
- Humans (even chubby ones) aren’t on the menu. Sharks typically prefer fish or high-fat marine mammals like dolphins and seals. Coastal areas often lack these food sources, meaning sharks rarely venture close to shore.
- Shark populations are small. Many Mediterranean shark species, including the once-common angel shark, are now critically endangered. Conservation efforts have even led to temporary beach closures to protect these creatures.
Are Sharks in Turkey Making a Comeback?
Yes! The numbers of some species may be increasing. From 1881 to 2007, researchers identified just 40 great white sharks in Turkish waters. However, between 2008 and 2011, six baby sharks were spotted — likely due to the rise of tuna farming near Turkey’s coast. This could attract more sharks in the future.
Evidence of this surfaced on November 11, 2021, when sharks were spotted just meters from the beach at Sarıgerme, near Dalaman, Turkey. The sharks were likely drawn by fish but posed no threat. This was not a shark attack.
Curious? Watch this YouTube video of the incident.
How Common Are Shark Attacks in the Mediterranean?
Shark attacks in Turkey and the broader Mediterranean are exceptionally rare. Many reports of "shark attacks" turn out to involve other marine creatures like barracudas or jellyfish. Deaths by shark attack are even rarer, as shown in this diagram comparing various causes of fatalities:
Should You Be Concerned About Sharks in Turkey?
Not really. Shark sightings along the Turkish coast are rare and would likely draw more excitement than fear. Local authorities and boat captains, including Captain Oktay and our crew, remain vigilant. If a shark appeared, they’d alert swimmers and ensure everyone's safety. But truthfully, a shark sighting would probably result in a crowd of people eager for photos, scaring the shark away!
What This Means for You
If you’ve got a fear of sharks (selachophobia), rest assured: swimming in Turkey’s Mediterranean waters is remarkably safe. Sharks, though present, are rarely seen near the coast, and attacks are virtually unheard of. So, dive in and enjoy the crystal-clear waters without worry!
Join Us for a Mediterranean Adventure!
Curious about exploring Turkey’s stunning coastline? Whether you’re swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking up the sun, our gulet cruises offer the perfect way to experience the Mediterranean — no sharks required! Contact us any time to learn more or book your next adventure.
References consulted for this article:
- Forbes. (2013, Jul. 15). Retrieved January 4, 2021, from Recent Findings of Rare Sharks in Turkey
- International Business Times. (2013, Jul. 15). Retrieved Feb. 3, 2016, from How Many Shark Attacks Are There Each Year And Where Do They Occur?
- Marine Biodiversity Records 7. (2014, Jan.). Retrieved January 4, 2021, from The status of the great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) in Turkey's waters
- Priceonomics. (2016, Jan. 29). Retrieved Feb. 12, 2016, from The Tragic Data Behind Selfie Fatalities
- Shark Info. (2009, Jun. 12). Retrieved Feb. 3, 2016 from Shark attacks - An Ever Intriguing Puzzle and Shark Attacks in the Mediterranean
- Statistics Brain Research Institute. (2014, Jan. 7). Retrieved Feb. 7, 2016, from Largest Bodies of Water Statistics
- Telegraph Travel. (2015, Aug 19). Retrieved Feb. 3, 2016, from The 47 Shark Species that Lurk in the Mediterranean
- UNIAN. (2008, May 27). Retrieved Feb. 7, 2016, from Beaches Closed in Turkey: Sharks Attacked Seashore
- Union Internacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza (UICN). (2007, Nov. 16). Retrieved Feb. 3, 2016, from Mediterranean Sea: Most Dangerous Place on Earth for Sharks and Rays