Ireland: 150-year-old Greenland shark washed up What the autopsy reveals about its life

A 150-year-old Greenland shark washed up on Ireland’s coast, offering scientists a rare opportunity to study one of the ocean's longest-living creatures. The carcass was discovered in April along the shores of County Sligo, prompting the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group to alert authorities. The National Museum of Ireland subsequently retrieved the animal for research purposes, marking a unique moment in marine biology. The specimen measured three meters in length and weighed approximately 200 kilograms, suggesting an age range of 150 to 200 years. This would place its birth around the time of the founding of the German Empire, during the reign of Queen Victoria in Britain, or even during the presidency of Abraham Lincoln in the United States. For Greenland sharks, which can live up to 400 to 500 years, 150 years represents a relatively young age, though they typically reach sexual maturity at this stage in their lives. Emilie De Loose, a marine biologist with the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, expressed both awe and sorrow upon examining the creature. “It’s so sad,” she told the BBC. “This individual took 150 years to reach the point where it could have reproduced and helped restore the population. Perhaps it had no chance at all.” She added that the sheer longevity of the animal was almost incomprehensible, considering the vast amount of history it might have witnessed. During the post-mortem examination, researchers found no signs of external injuries that could explain its death. They removed the 50-kilogram liver, the 34-kilogram heart, and portions of the stomach and digestive tract for further analysis. These samples will provide valuable insights into the physiology and diet of the species, particularly given the challenges of studying such elusive deep-sea dwellers. Greenland sharks inhabit the cold waters of the North Atlantic, often at depths exceeding hundreds or even thousands of meters. Their remote habitat makes them difficult to observe and study, making the discovery of this specimen especially significant. Researchers noted that the shark likely fed on dead animals lying on the seafloor, a behavior known as scavenging. Its teeth were uniquely adapted for this purpose, upper teeth straight and sharp, while lower teeth grew in two directions, resembling a saw. This adaptation allows the shark to efficiently tear apart decaying matter. Jasmine Stavenow Jerremalm, another researcher involved in the study, highlighted the importance of the findings. “The autopsy gave us a chance to examine specific features of the Greenland shark more closely,” she explained. “Its ability to consume carrion, even in advanced stages of decomposition, underscores its survival strategy in an environment where food is scarce.” Despite these observations, the cause of the shark’s death remains unclear. One of its testes was twisted, and its spleen exhibited an unusual coloration. While these anomalies suggest possible internal issues, the overall condition of the animal appeared healthy. Scientists speculate that the shark may have suffered from an undetectable illness or other unknown factors contributing to its demise. The discovery has sparked renewed interest in the conservation status of Greenland sharks, which face threats from climate change, overfishing, and human activity. As researchers continue their analysis, the findings may contribute to broader efforts to understand and protect these ancient mariners of the deep.