Sharks Discovered for the First Time in the Depths of the Antarctic Ocean

A group of Australian scientists has recorded a large shark off the coast of Antarctica, marking the first confirmed observation of these predators in waters south of the 60th parallel.

A 3-4 meter long sleeping shark was captured on video at a depth of about 490 meters near the South Shetland Islands, where the water temperature is 1.27 °C. This discovery challenges established notions about the habitat range of sharks and expands our understanding of marine fauna in polar regions.

The finding has practical significance for mariners operating in Antarctic waters. New information about the distribution of sharks in this region will help specialists better assess potential risks and plan shipping routes in polar latitudes.