Greenland has recently captured the world’s attention, not only for its geopolitical significance but also for its biological wonders. Situated between the North Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean, Greenland is a vast island and a semi-autonomous territory under Danish control. Recently, US President Donald Trump sparked international debate by suggesting a potential acquisition of the territory, citing national security concerns—a proposal that sent ripples of tension across Europe.
Amid this geopolitical focus, scientists have shed new light on one of Greenland’s most enigmatic residents: the Greenland shark. This month, researchers revealed a groundbreaking discovery: these sharks are not blind, contradicting decades of assumptions.
Previously, Greenland sharks were considered slow-moving, nearly blind scavengers, often seen drifting during Arctic twilight. Descriptions likened them to tattered socks more than fearsome predators, with movements slower than an escalator. One researcher even remarked, “They look as if they’ve already died,” highlighting how little was known about this ancient and biologically mysterious species.
Recent studies, however, have overturned these long-held beliefs. Researchers from five leading universities have demonstrated that Greenland sharks possess fully functional retinas capable of detecting light and contrast, despite eyes often clouded by parasitic copepods. Genetic sequencing and molecular analyses further confirm their resilience to Arctic parasites and extreme conditions.
Key Characteristics of the Greenland Shark
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Length | 15–20 feet (approx. 4.5–6 metres) |
| Weight | Up to 1,000 kg |
| Lifespan | Estimated 200–500 years |
| Vision | Fully functional, detects light & contrast |
| Diet | Caribou, polar bear, muskox, narwhal, beluga; both scavenged and possibly live prey |
| Reproduction | Limited data; last pregnant female recorded in 1950 |
| Behaviour | Slow-moving, capable of vertical dives; uses pectoral fins with precision |
Dr Jena Edwards, a Canadian marine biologist, commented, “The Greenland shark remains a profound mystery. Even what we think we know is still tentative. Everything about this species is marked with question marks.”
Field observations by eminent Greenland shark specialist Dr Nigel Hussey in Norway’s Svalbard region corroborate the findings. He noted that sharks can perform near-vertical dives between surface and seabed, demonstrating far more agility than previously assumed. PhD student Eric St. Mary, part of Hussey’s team, described the research as “assembling a puzzle of a thousand pieces—every glimpse of their lives reveals only a fraction of the whole picture.”
Despite decades of research, critical gaps remain, particularly concerning reproduction. The last recorded pregnant female was documented in 1950, leaving scientists uncertain about breeding grounds or litter size.
The discovery that Greenland sharks are not blind, combined with their surprising mobility and adaptability, challenges our understanding of Arctic ecosystems. As Dr Hussey emphasises, “These are intelligent, capable predators. If they survived for centuries on Earth, they did so because we have vastly underestimated them.”
As the Arctic warms faster than anywhere else on Earth, the Greenland shark continues to serve as a living reminder of nature’s resilience—and of humanity’s limited knowledge.