1. Prey Availability: Great white sharks are apex predators that primarily feed on seals, sea lions, and other large marine mammals. The abundance and availability of these prey species can influence the distribution and abundance of great white sharks. If there is a decline in the population of their prey due to factors such as overfishing or environmental changes, it can impact the survival and reproduction of great white sharks.
2. Habitat Loss: Great white sharks inhabit various marine ecosystems, including coastal waters, open oceans, and deep sea environments. However, their habitats are vulnerable to degradation and loss due to human activities such as coastal development, pollution, and overfishing. The destruction of important habitats, including breeding and feeding grounds, can have negative impacts on great white shark populations.
3. Bycatch: Great white sharks are often caught as bycatch in fishing operations targeting other species. This can occur when sharks become entangled in fishing nets, lines, or hooks. Incidental capture can result in injury or death of great white sharks, contributing to population declines.
4. Hunting and Fishing: Great white sharks are hunted and fished for various reasons, including sport, commercial purposes, and perceived threats to humans. Unsustainable fishing practices and illegal trade of shark fins and meat can significantly impact great white shark populations.
5. Pollution: Pollution of the marine environment, such as chemical runoff, oil spills, and plastic waste, can have detrimental effects on great white sharks. Pollutants can accumulate in the bodies of sharks, affecting their health and reproductive abilities.
6. Climate Change: The changing climate is altering ocean temperatures, currents, and sea levels, which can impact the distribution and abundance of prey species for great white sharks. Additionally, ocean acidification can affect the development and survival of shark embryos and juveniles.
Overall, the combination of these limiting factors poses challenges to the survival and conservation of great white sharks. To ensure their long-term persistence, efforts are needed to address these threats through sustainable fishing practices, habitat protection, and conservation initiatives.