An unusual sight unfolded when a large sleeper shark was spotted meandering through the deep, dark waters of Antarctica, contrary to the belief that sharks were absent in the frigid Antarctic environment. The discovery of this massive shark, estimated to be between three to four meters long, was captured on video in January 2025 by researchers from the Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre.
Alan Jamieson, a researcher involved in the expedition, expressed surprise at encountering such a sizable shark in Antarctic waters, a region traditionally not associated with shark sightings. The shark, described as a robust specimen, was filmed near the South Shetland Islands, submerged 490 meters below the surface where the water temperature hovered around a chilling 1.27 degrees Celsius.
The footage revealed the shark peacefully coexisting with a skate, a relative of sharks resembling a stingray, unfazed by the shark’s presence. According to Jamieson, the shark’s presence at that depth indicated a potential ecosystem where sharks feed on the remains of deceased marine creatures like whales and giant squids that sink to the seabed.
Experts highlighted the scarcity of data on shark populations in Antarctica due to the region’s remoteness, suggesting that climate change may be driving sharks towards the Antarctic waters. Peter Kyne, a conservation biologist not affiliated with the research, noted the significance of this discovery, emphasizing the importance of further exploration and monitoring in the region.
The research team’s findings shed light on the unique ecosystem of the Antarctic Ocean, with Jamieson speculating that more shark species could be dwelling at similar depths. The stratified nature of the Antarctic waters, characterized by distinct layers of varying temperatures and densities, provides a complex environment where marine life adapts to specific niches.
While the discovery of the sleeper shark in Antarctica was a remarkable breakthrough, researchers emphasized the need for continued exploration and monitoring to unravel the mysteries of this enigmatic underwater world.
