Scientists have retracted their claims of finding the first-ever goblin shark in the Mediterranean Sea after others pointed out suspiciously toy-like features. The study published in Mediterranean Marine Science stated that a citizen scientist had provided a low-quality shark photograph. Still, the researchers had not seen or interacted with the specimen directly. Shark experts and marine biologists expressed their skepticism online, questioning the unusual appearance of the photographed specimen, including its rigid fins, completeness, and odd shape of particular body parts. Many marine enthusiasts noted that the specimen appeared more like a figurine than a genuine dead shark. Critics of the record claimed that the photographed shark resembled a plastic toy available for sale on eBay.

After being criticized, the study authors doubled their claims that the specimen was authentic. They suggested that the unusually small specimen might have been a goblin shark embryo with a mouth deformed by ingesting ova in utero. But this argument failed to convince experts in the field, who maintained that the specimen looked more like a toy shark.

Jürgen Pollerspöck, an independent shark researcher and lead author of the November 2022 comment, told Gizmodo that the photographed specimen looked “an awful lot like a toy shark.” Joana Sipe, a scientist studying plastic degradation at Duke University, said she thought the specimen could be a degraded plastic toy. In response to these criticisms, the study authors issued a retraction note stating that they were removing their publications due to remaining uncertainty because they were based on a visual observation by a citizen without a specimen being available.

The controversy highlights the importance of verifying the authenticity of specimens before making bold claims. While discovering a goblin shark in the Mediterranean Sea would have been an exciting development, experts must ensure that any new findings are based on solid evidence. The paper’s retraction shows that the scientific community takes these matters seriously and is willing to correct mistakes when they arise.

However, the controversy also highlights the plastic Pollution problem in the world’s oceans. With marine enthusiasts mistaking a plastic toy for a dead shark, it is clear that plastics have become an integral part of the marine ecosystem, posing a significant threat to marine life. We must take collective action to reduce plastic waste and prevent it from ending up in the oceans. Small steps, such as using reusable bags, water bottles, and straws, can significantly impact. We must also push for policy changes that hold corporations accountable for plastic waste and promote more sustainable practices. We can protect our oceans and the creatures that call them home by working together.

Ahisma Tee By Tiny Rescue: Animal Collection

Related Content:

• Could the Craze Over Omega-3s Destroy Our Oceans?
• 15 Aquariums Team Up to Save Endangered Zebra Sharks from Extinction
• Mexico Bans Great White Shark Cage-Diving at Isla Guadalupe
• Petition: Protect Sharks From Extinction
• Finally! The United States is Set to Ban Sale of Shark Fins

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast Fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!