Great White Sharks in Peru: Present but Rare

Yes, great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) occur in Peruvian waters—the eastern Pacific population ranges from California to Chile.

Evidence

• Confirmed catches/sightings off Lima, Callao, Pisco, Ilo (mostly juveniles/sub-adults).
• Bycatch in artisanal gillnet/longline fisheries targeting smooth hammerhead, thresher, mahi-mahi.
• Satellite tags from US/Mexico sharks show migrations into Peruvian EEZ.

Abundance & Risk

• Rare compared to Guadalupe Island (Mexico), South Africa, South Australia, Central California.
• No recorded unprovoked attacks in Peru (Global Shark Attack File).
• Peru's cold Humboldt Current supports prey (sea lions, fur seals, fish) but white shark density remains low.

Conservation

• Peru banned shark finning (2016); requires full carcass landing.
• Carcharodon carcharias listed on CITES Appendix II; Peru cooperates with SPRFMO.
• Research growing: IMARPE (Instituto del Mar del Perú) + NGOs tagging juveniles.

Swimmers/surfers in Peru face far higher risks from rip currents and stingrays than white sharks.