Great White Sharks of the Mediterranean

Embark on an exhilarating journey with marine biologist David C. Bernvi as his research on white sharks unveils the hidden depths of the world’s mightiest predatory fish, Carcharodon carcharias. Prepare to be captivated by the extraordinary story that traces back to where it all began: French physician Guillaume Rondelet's description in 1543 of a shark of enormous size. Described under the name Lamia, it had been caught off the coast of Marseille, France. The mouth turned out to be filled with saw-edged triangular teeth, large as knives but white as ivory. Over 400 years later, the great white shark would be described as the ”man-eater”, a killing machine hunting for human flesh along the world’s beaches. However, despite millions of people annually being in their habitat worldwide, very few shark attacks occur in reality, though when they happen, they often receive significant media attention. Few know how to avoid a shark attack and this book teaches you how, where, and when the white shark attacks and what you can do to fend it off.

This fish is a natural part of the Mediterranean which is home to a native population that is genetically distinct from populations elsewhere on the globe. Though their population size is unknown, it has likely decreased. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the white shark was common enough in the Mediterranean to be harpooned for its meat. The great white shark has often been portrayed as a stereotype for all sharks, though its reputation as a killing machine is far from the truth. This book clarifies misconceptions that still exist and fights them with factual evidence.