A Surprising Discovery: Blue Sharks and Mako Sharks off the Basque Coast

Sharks are some of the ocean’s most misunderstood creatures, yet they play a vital role in maintaining marine ecosystems. Unfortunately, many shark species are endangered worldwide, with Europe being a major hotspot for their decline. The Shortfin Mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) and Blue Shark (Prionace glauca) are two of the most threatened species in European waters, primarily due to overfishing and bycatch in commercial fisheries. However, a shift toward responsible tourism and conservation efforts offers hope for these iconic predators.

Blue Sharks and Mako Sharks off the Basque Coast

A few years ago, naturalist Isaias Cruz made a sensational discovery—Blue Sharks and Mako Sharks inhabit the waters just off the Basque Country. This revelation sparked significant research along what is now known as the Coast of Hope, aiming to better understand these endangered species and their habitats. Scientists and marine conservationists have since worked tirelessly to monitor populations and develop strategies to protect these sharks from further decline.

Why Are These Sharks Endangered?

Both the Shortfin Mako and Blue Shark face immense threats in European waters:

1. Shortfin Mako

Critically endangered due to its high commercial value, slow reproduction rate, and persistent bycatch in tuna and swordfish fisheries. Despite scientific recommendations for a zero-catch policy, many fishing fleets continue to catch and sell Mako sharks.

2. Blue Shark

Though more abundant, this species is the most heavily fished shark in the world. Over 20 million Blue Sharks are caught annually, largely for the global shark fin trade. Spain and Portugal play significant roles in this industry, making conservation efforts in Europe especially critical.

Become part of a shark conservation initiative

Along the Coast of Hope, researchers have developed an expedition that allows visitors like you to engage in real-world marine biology work while experiencing the beauty of these apex predators in their natural habitat.

What Will You Do on the Expedition? As a participant, you will work alongside marine scientists to support ongoing research and conservation efforts. Activities include:

• Collecting environmental DNA (eDNA) samples to monitor shark populations.
• Setting up camera traps to study shark behavior in the wild.
• Collecting temperature and oceanographic data to understand how climate change is affecting shark habitats.
• Identifying individual sharks and contributing to conservation databases.

This hands-on approach allows anyone to become a citizen scientist, helping to protect sharks while deepening their understanding of marine ecosystems.

Take a closer look

Check out this video of the experience.

The Future of Shark Conservation in Europe

While challenges remain, conservation efforts—combined with responsible tourism—are paving the way for a more sustainable future. Legislative protections, such as the EU’s shark finning ban and ICCAT’s fishing restrictions, are steps in the right direction, but enforcement remains a key issue. With more public engagement and support for marine conservation programs, we can help protect Europe’s endangered sharks and preserve ocean biodiversity.

How You Can Help

• Support responsible marine tourism by participating in ethical shark expeditions.
• Choose sustainable seafood and avoid products linked to shark bycatch.
• Raise awareness by sharing information about shark conservation with your community.
• Advocate for stronger shark protections through petitions and policy initiatives.

By rethinking our relationship with sharks and supporting conservation-driven tourism, we can help ensure that future generations will continue to witness these incredible creatures in the wild—not just in history books.