Sharks recorded for the first time in the icy depths of Antarctica
The year 2026 brought one of the most interesting shark discoveries in recent years. For the very first time, an international team of scientists filmed a large shark in the icy waters near Antarctica during a deep-sea expedition. The event immediately attracted the attention of experts worldwide, as such an occurrence was, until recently, considered highly unlikely.
Researchers worked in the South Shetland Islands area, mapping life at depths of several hundred meters using special underwater cameras. It was there that a massive deep-sea shark appeared in the footage, moving just above the seabed. The water temperature was around one degree Celsius, and conditions were extremely hostile.
According to experts, it was likely a Pacific sleeper shark, a species of deep-sea shark known for its ability to survive in the dark depths of the oceans. These sharks are rarely seen as they spend most of their lives hundreds of meters below the surface. Nevertheless, the mere fact that it was found so close to Antarctica surprised even experienced marine biologists.
Scientists are now addressing a fundamental question—were sharks present in these areas before, but people never recorded them, or is their presence beginning to change due to ocean warming? The latter possibility raises the greatest concerns. Climate change is gradually altering sea temperatures and food distribution, which can affect the migration routes of many marine species, including apex predators.
Experts point out that oceans are undergoing significant changes faster than originally expected. Some fish species are moving to colder areas, while others are disappearing completely. If sharks were to appear more frequently in Antarctic waters, it could affect the entire local ecosystem in the future. Antarctica is home to unique animal species such as penguins, seals, and huge krill swarms, on which much of the life there depends.
Interestingly, the shark in the footage did not appear aggressive. It moved slowly and, according to scientists, was likely looking for food in the form of dead fish or other animals that had sunk to the deep parts of the ocean. Deep-sea shark species often act as "ocean cleaners" and help decompose organic material on the seabed.
The discovery also shows how little humanity still knows about the deep ocean. Although we have modern technologies and research submersibles today, much of the seabed remains virtually unexplored. Every such expedition can therefore bring surprises that change our current understanding of life beneath the surface.
Sharks have been on Earth for more than 400 million years and have survived several mass extinctions. They have adapted to extreme conditions, deep oceans, and climate change. However, many species are currently threatened by human activities—overfishing, ocean pollution, and climate change itself. Scientists therefore emphasize that such discoveries are not only fascinating but also important for understanding the future of the oceans.
Whatever the reason for the shark's presence near Antarctica, one thing is certain—the oceans still hold a vast number of secrets. And it is perhaps sharks that are beginning to show us just how dramatically the marine world is changing.
Author: Miri Svobodová
Source: ČT24, Seznam Zprávy