Science News

Article originally written by Josie Choi ’26.

Sharks are known as the kings of the sea as well as objects of fear due to their razor-sharp teeth and strong jaws. But off the coast of the UK, something quite contrasting has been found. A dead, pregnant porbeagle shark was discovered, weighing about 450 pounds, along with some evidence of it having been attacked by a much larger predator. Indeed, this has left scientists scratching their heads: what could kill such a powerful creature?

Porbeagle sharks are of the same family as great whites and are wired for speed and strength, reaching up to 20 mph. They usually feed on smaller fish, like mackerel and squid, making them quite fearsome hunters in the ocean. Although they are not aggressive towards humans, porbeagles are powerful enough to deter threats in the ocean. Thus, the finding of this pregnant shark in her condition was perplexing.

The shark had been tracked for almost a year by scientists at the Ocean Tracking Network via a satellite tag. On August 17, 2024, the tag transmitted a signal suggesting the shark wasn’t moving anymore. Investigation showed a badly damaged set of remains, which said that the shark was preyed upon by something much bigger and much stronger. It was, of course, slower and more vulnerable because it was carrying a dozen pups; that pointed towards an extraordinary predator who overpowered such a huge animal.

A few have speculated that a huge great white shark might have been responsible, as great whites do reach up to 20 feet and are known for an aggressive hunting style, but great whites seldom lurk in UK waters during the summer. Others believed a type of orca that is known to target sharks may have been the culprit. Highly intelligent orcas are group hunters, found off the UK coast, and have been known to take down big quarry, including sharks. An alternative theory is the Greenland shark—a large species from the North Atlantic that is slow and lacks aggression in hunting. However, given its lack of speed and hunting aggression, it’s a less likely candidate.

This has led to questions about who’s at the top of the ocean’s hierarchy. This is a case of being at the top of the food chain. While there are sharks like the porbeagle, there is always something bigger or stronger. Scientists are now calling for more research and monitoring of sharks and other large marine animals to better understand how they interact. The ocean is both extensive and unpredictable, and as we go on discovering more, no doubt many discoveries will be unraveled, showing us how much more there is to know about the strong, mystic world beneath the waves.

Sources:

Who Might Be the Predator Targeting a Shark? (Cover Image)
https://www.sharkguardian.org/post/who-might-be-the-predator-targeting-a-shark