Avvistamenti di Squali in Sicilia: quali sono le specie coinvolte e cosa li attira verso la costa?
The summer in Sicily began with numerous shark sightings along the region's coasts both in the province of Messina or Catania or Palermo. This phenomenon may cause concern among tourists and raise questions about the safety of Sicily's seas. However, according to marine biologists and naturalists, there is no cause for alarm. The Sicilian seas are still safe and the increase in shark sightings can be considered a sign of the good quality of marine waters.
Why do sharks approach the coast of Sicily?
There are several reasons why large marine predators approach the Sicilian coasts. First of all, during the warmer months, surface waters warm up and this prompts sharks to swim close to the beaches in the early morning hours. In this way, they can intercept small fish and squid that, after migrating to the surface during the night, try to return to the depths at dawn. Influencing their behaviour, according to experts, are global warming, high water temperatures and overfishing, which affects the ease of finding food.
Which sharks are present in the Sicilian seas?
One of the most common species is the Verdesca, o Blue Shark. This shark feeds on small prey and is considered one of the most docile species in nature.
Another common species in Sicily and the Mediterranean is the Grey Shark. This shark feeds on larger prey and is often spotted near the islet of Lampione, in the archipelago of the Pelagian Islandswhere they sometimes gather in large groups.
The White Shark is present in the Mediterranean, but it is rarely sighted near the Sicilian coast because of its imposing size. However, it is possible to spot it during hydrofoil or ferry trips, when it swims close to the surface to hunt medium-sized fish.
In Lampedusa, on the other hand, it is possible to encounter with some frequency several specimens of Hammerhead Sharkwhich is considered to be potentially of little danger to humans.
The Elephant Sharks and the Whale Sharks are other species that can be found in the Mediterranean, but they are so rare and of such impressive size that it is difficult to observe them from the coast. Marine biologists go out to sea to study them.
The Mako sharkson the other hand, they are considered among the most dangerous species in the Mediterranean and are responsible for most of the deadly attacks in recent years. Fortunately, they are rarely sighted off Sicily and are mainly found near the Tunisian coast.
The Bull Shark is much more docile than many other sharks that fill swimmers' nightmares, is more sociable than White Sharks and often even likes to let itself be fed by tourists in boats.
The Bronze Shark and Fox Shark are two other medium to large shark species that can be found in Sicilian waters. They are known to defend themselves adequately if harassed, but attacks on humans are rare.
Finally, the Gattuccio is the most widespread shark in the Mediterranean and is often underestimated. This species, which reaches a maximum length of 100 centimetres, may look very different from classic sharks. It is used to defending itself instinctively and can inflict lacerations with its bites.
