Species Diversity and Geographical Distribution of Sharks along the Eastern Libyan Coast

The current investigation was conducted to evaluate the species composition and pattern of distribution of sharks along the eastern Libyan coast based on field surveys, literature data, and fishery records conducted from 2018 to 2024. Twenty species belonging to 5 families were reported such as: Squalus blainville, Squalus acanthias, Squalus megalops, Mustelus mustelus, Galeorhinus galeus, Mustelus punctulatus, Carcharhinus plumbeus, Squatina and Carcharodon carcharias. The year 2023 recorded the maximum number of shark sightings among all the years followed by 2021 then 2020 and least in the year 2024.The main reasons for this are climate change and the high summer temperatures in 2023, as well as intensified illegal fishing, illegal migrant-induced mortality, and excessive local fishing efforts. All these have played a role in attracting more sharks to the shallow coastal waters. Results show nearly 18 endangered species of sharks found along the east Libyan coast, out of nearly 48 species recorded in the Mediterranean Sea. It can be understood from this that ecological importance the Libyan coastline holds as a significant habitat for vulnerable species many of which are listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Some important species reported from this area include: Squalus acanthias, Carcharhinus plumbeus, Squatina aculeata , Squatina oculata, Squatina squatina, Lamna nasus, Carcharodon carcharias and Isurus oxyrinchus.