An unusual sighting of a large, sluggish shark moving across a desolate seabed in the depths of Antarctica surprised experts recently. Researcher Alan Jamieson revealed that the presence of this sleeper shark challenged the belief that sharks did not inhabit the cold waters of Antarctica.
The footage of the shark, captured in January 2025, showcased a massive shark estimated to be between three and four meters long. Jamieson expressed astonishment at the unexpected encounter, emphasizing the significant size and robustness of the shark, referring to it as a formidable marine creature.
The video was recorded by the Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre, which explores the deepest regions of the world’s oceans. The camera was positioned near the Antarctic Peninsula, specifically off the South Shetland Islands within the Antarctic Ocean’s boundaries, below the 60-degree south latitude line.
At a depth of 490 meters with a near-freezing water temperature of 1.27 degrees Celsius, the shark was observed alongside a motionless skate on the seabed. The presence of the skate, a relative of sharks resembling a stingray, was not a surprise to scientists since they were aware of their range extending to such southern regions.
Jamieson, the director of the research center, noted the absence of any previous records of sharks in the Antarctic Ocean. Peter Kyne, an independent conservation biologist, concurred that this sighting marked the southernmost recorded presence of a shark in the region.
Speculations suggest that climate change and warming oceans could be driving sharks towards colder waters in the Southern Hemisphere. However, due to the remoteness of Antarctica, there is limited data on range changes, making the appearance of the sleeper shark a significant discovery.
The photographed shark was observed at a depth of approximately 500 meters along a sloping seabed leading to deeper waters. Jamieson explained that the shark likely stayed at that depth due to the warmer water layer, where it could potentially feed on marine carcasses.
The complex layering of the Antarctic Ocean, extending to about 1,000 meters, creates distinct water properties that support unique marine ecosystems at varying depths. Jamieson predicts that other Antarctic sharks may reside at similar depths, sustained by the abundant marine life that descends to the ocean floor.
Research cameras positioned at such depths in Antarctic waters are limited and primarily operate during the summer months, offering only a glimpse into the marine life thriving in the region. Jamieson highlighted the importance of continued exploration to unveil more surprises lurking beneath the Antarctic waters.
