Great white sharks are overheating

New research reveals that great white sharks are overheating, with rising ocean temperatures driving metabolic stress that requires them to consume 20% more energy daily. This heightened demand is altering their traditional migration patterns, pushing them into cooler, deeper waters more frequently—an adaptation that may impact feeding efficiency and reproduction. Compared to the average shark species, great whites are particularly vulnerable because of their endothermic capabilities, which already elevate body temperatures 5°C above surrounding water. The study, based on satellite tracking of 34 individuals over three years, shows that 65% of tagged sharks shortened their migratory routes by an average of 150 miles in response to thermal stress. This data underscores a critical conservation threat, as overheating could lead to population declines faster than typical habitat changes suggest.