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The first-ever footage of a sleeper shark in the Southern Ocean has been captured, revealing a species previously thought to be absent from Antarctic waters. This discovery challenges assumptions about life in extreme environments and provides valuable insights into how marine species adapt to harsh conditions. The research, conducted by the Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre, is paving the way for future studies that could significantly reshape our understanding of the Antarctic ecosystem.
The First-Ever Shark Sighting in Antarctica
For years, scientists have speculated about the creatures that might inhabit the frigid waters of Antarctica, but this groundbreaking footage confirms a long-standing hypothesis: sharks can survive in these extreme environments. Dr. Kolbusz from the Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre, said the discovery was a complete surprise. “It was surprising since this is the first footage obtained…any elasmobranch [shark or ray] in situ in the Southern Ocean,” she Kolbusz told ABC. This footage marks the first confirmed visual of a shark in Antarctica, setting the stage for further research into the potential impacts of climate change on the species living there.
The shark captured in the footage is believed to be a Southern sleeper shark (Somniosus antarcticus), a species known for its ability to live in the cold, dark waters of the Southern Ocean.
“The Southern sleeper shark is the most southerly occurring shark species but this I believe is the first record of it — and any shark — in Antarctica itself,” explained Peter Kyne, an adjunct conservation biologist at Charles Darwin University.
The Role of the Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre
The successful documentation of this rare shark sighting is a direct result of the innovative work being done by the Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre. This partnership has been at the forefront of deep-sea research, pioneering techniques to study some of the most elusive and poorly understood species. The Centre’s use of baited cameras has allowed scientists to capture footage of animals in their natural habitats, revealing previously unknown details about their behaviors and environmental interactions. The footage of the Southern sleeper shark is just one example of how modern technology is revolutionizing our understanding of the deep-sea world.
The Southern Ocean remains one of the most challenging environments for researchers to study, due to its extreme conditions and inaccessibility. The work of the Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre and other research organizations is essential for uncovering the mysteries of this remote ecosystem. By focusing on species like the sleeper shark, scientists hope to learn more about the adaptations these animals have made to survive in such inhospitable conditions, and how environmental changes might affect their populations in the future.
Ongoing Research and Genetic Studies
While the footage provides an incredible visual insight, the research is far from over. As part of ongoing efforts to better understand the Southern sleeper shark’s distribution, genetic analyses will begin in mid-2026. These studies are set to include genetic data from the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans, which will help scientists complete a crucial part of the puzzle.
“Genetic analyses are scheduled to begin in mid-2026 and will include, for the first time, the two missing pieces of the puzzle: genetic data from the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans,” explained research scientist Erwan Saulnier, from the Falkland Islands fisheries department
Tissue samples from sleeper sharks have already been collected during commercial fisheries operations and targeted research surveys. These samples will provide essential data on the genetic makeup of the sharks, which is crucial for understanding how the species might adapt to changing environmental conditions. With climate change affecting oceans worldwide, the data gathered from these genetic studies could prove essential in predicting how these sharks, and other marine species, might fare in the future.
What the Discovery Means for Antarctic Ecosystems
The presence of the Southern sleeper shark in Antarctic waters raises important questions about the impact of climate change on marine life. As Dr. Kolbusz notes, the rate of warming in the Southern Ocean is likely to affect species distribution.
“With the rate of warming and the likely wide-ranging thermal tolerance of the species, it’s most likely their distribution would stay consistent,” she said. However, he also emphasized the challenges of fully understanding the distribution of such elusive creatures. “In saying this, we don’t know their exact distribution so it is hard to conclusively say.”
This uncertainty highlights the importance of continued research. The discovery of the Southern sleeper shark may be just the beginning of uncovering the broader impacts of warming temperatures on Antarctic ecosystems. As temperatures rise, species like the sleeper shark may move into new areas or adapt in unexpected ways, and understanding these shifts will be key to protecting the biodiversity of the Southern Ocean.
