Eight shark species have been recorded in Greek waters so far in 2026, with sighting frequencies stable compared to previous years — and no fatal shark attack logged in Greece since 1981, marine biologists reported, urging the public to treat encounters as rare and manageable rather than alarming.
Data from the "Sharks in Greece" logging project shows blue shark encounters edging up to 18 this year from 13 in the same period last year.
Christos Taklis, a marine biologist and founder of Merman Conservation Expeditions, said catalogued species include blue, mako, thresher, bluntnose sixgill, copper and great white sharks — all part of the normal rotation through Greek waters.
Mr. Taklis said the real story is not sightings but disappearance: Mediterranean shark populations have fallen by more than 50 percent over recent decades, primarily due to commercial fishing — accidental gillnet entanglement and deep-sea trawling causing fatal barotrauma in sharks brought rapidly to the surface.
On safety, Mr. Taklis said swimmers who encounter a shark should stay calm, maintain eye contact and back away slowly. "If a shark decides to approach, you simply extend your arm and gently push it away by its snout," he said.
Sudden movements and throwing objects can provoke defensive reactions.
Spearfishers carrying fresh catch should exit the water, as the scent can attract feeding sharks.
The guidance is timely as Greece enters peak beach season — with hundreds of thousands of tourists already on the islands and coastal resorts operating at capacity following the Holy Spirit long weekend.
By Irene Milli