Historic First: UWA Team Captures Sleeper Shark on Camera in Antarctic Waters

In a groundbreaking moment for marine biology, researchers from the University of Western Australia (UWA) have secured the first-ever footage of a sleeper shark gliding through the frigid depths of Antarctic waters. This rare sighting, recorded in January 2025 off the South Shetland Islands near the Antarctic Peninsula, challenges long-held assumptions about shark distribution in the Southern Ocean. The slow-moving predator, estimated at 3 to 4 meters in length, appeared unexpectedly in over 400 hours of deep-sea camera footage, marking a pivotal discovery for Australian higher education's role in polar research.

The footage reveals the shark navigating a barren seafloor at approximately 490 meters depth, where water temperatures hover around 1.27°C—near-freezing conditions that were previously thought inhospitable to sharks. Led by Professor Alan Jamieson, founding director of the Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre, the expedition deployed baited lander cameras to survey benthic ecosystems. This unexpected guest not only stunned the team but also opens new avenues for understanding deep-sea life in one of Earth's most extreme environments.

The Expedition Behind the Discovery: Minderoo-UWA's Deep-Sea Mission

The Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre, a collaboration between UWA and the Minderoo Foundation, spearheaded this Antarctic expedition as part of broader efforts to map and protect deep-sea biodiversity. Using autonomous landers—self-contained camera systems that sink to the seafloor, baited with fish to attract scavengers—the team collected unprecedented data from the South Shetland Trench. These devices, engineered for harsh polar conditions, record for days at a time, capturing behaviors impossible with traditional remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) due to logistical challenges in Antarctica.

Professor Jamieson, a world-renowned deep-sea biologist with over two decades exploring ocean trenches, emphasized the surprise element: "We went down there not expecting to see sharks because there’s a general rule of thumb that you don’t get sharks in Antarctica. And it’s not even a little one either. It’s a hunk of a shark." This footage emerged from routine deployments, highlighting how persistent, targeted research from Australian universities yields transformative insights.

Understanding the Sleeper Shark: Biology of Somniosus antarcticus

The Southern sleeper shark (Somniosus antarcticus), likely the species in the footage, belongs to the family Somniosidae—known for their sluggish, opportunistic lifestyle. These sharks, relatives of the long-lived Greenland shark, inhabit benthopelagic zones from 485 to 1,150 meters deep. Characterized by a blunt snout, small eyes adapted for low light, and a low metabolic rate, they thrive in cold waters by conserving energy. Adults can grow to over 4 meters, preying on cephalopods, fish, and occasionally marine mammals.

Unlike fast-swimming sharks, sleeper sharks use urea and trimethylamine oxide in their blood to match seawater's freezing point, preventing ice crystal formation in tissues. Their distribution was previously limited to sub-Antarctic regions like South Georgia and Macquarie Island, with specimens often caught as bycatch. This Antarctic record extends their known range significantly southward, confirmed by the shark's distinctive dorsal fin and body shape in the video.

Challenging Assumptions: Sharks in the Southern Ocean

Prior to this footage, only five shark species had been sporadically reported around Antarctica, mostly from fisheries bycatch far from the continent. Experts assumed the extreme cold (-1.8°C surface waters) and ice cover deterred sharks, confining them to warmer sub-Antarctic fringes. The UWA discovery upends this, proving sleeper sharks can penetrate high-Antarctic continental shelves.

Dr. Jessica Kolbusz, who identified the shark, noted: "It was surprising since this is the first footage obtained of a Somniosidae or any elasmobranch in situ in the Southern Ocean." This finding suggests sparse populations evaded detection due to depths beyond typical trawling and the logistical nightmare of Antarctic research.

Link to research jobs in marine biology at Australian universities to contribute to such expeditions.

Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash

Ecological Implications for Antarctic Biodiversity

As apex or mesopredators, sleeper sharks could reshape Antarctic food webs. They might control populations of toothfish, squid, and skates—key prey seen interacting with the bait. This presence hints at undiscovered shark diversity, with potential cascading effects on energy transfer from deep-sea scavengers to higher trophic levels.

Climate change adds urgency: Warming Southern Ocean currents may facilitate range expansions, as seen in other species. Sleeper sharks' cold tolerance positions them as indicators of shifting marine ecosystems. UWA's data aids conservation under CCAMLR (Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources), informing quotas and protected areas.

Technological Frontiers: How UWA Conquers Deep-Sea Challenges

Antarctic research demands innovation. UWA's landers withstand crushing pressures (up to 1,000m), ice, and months-long deployments. Synergizing engineering and biology, the Minderoo-UWA Centre pioneers cost-effective tools, reducing reliance on expensive ships. This footage exemplifies how Australian universities lead in accessible polar science.

• Baited cameras target scavengers effectively.
• LED lights reveal bioluminescence and behaviors.
• Genetic sampling kits enable post-expedition DNA analysis.

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Professor Alan Jamieson: Pioneer of Australian Deep-Sea Science

Prof. Jamieson's career spans hadal trenches worldwide, holding Guinness records for deepest fish footage. At UWA since 2023, he directs the Centre, training PhDs and postdocs in multidisciplinary oceanography. His work bridges engineering, ecology, and policy, positioning UWA as Australia's deep-sea hub.

"These things are tanks," Jamieson quipped, underscoring the shark's robustness. His podcast and books popularize the field, inspiring students.

Climate Change and Expanding Shark Ranges

Ocean warming (~0.2°C/decade in Southern Ocean) may drive poleward migrations. Sleeper sharks, with antifreeze proteins, exemplify resilience. Yet, increased presence could pressure endemic species, altering biodiversity hotspots. UWA research monitors these shifts, aiding global models.

Photo by yanmin yang on Unsplash

Australian Universities Leading Polar Marine Research

UWA joins institutions like UTAS and ANU in Antarctic science, supported by Australian Antarctic Program. Collaborations with AAD yield data for policy. This discovery boosts Australia's profile in IUCN shark assessments and IPBES reports.

Careers abound: From PhDs in ocean engineering to faculty in marine ecology. Check faculty positions and lecturer jobs in higher ed.

Future Horizons: What Lies Beneath Antarctic Seas?

Next steps include genetic confirmation via eDNA, population modeling, and expanded lander arrays. Potential fisheries interactions loom with toothfish industry. UWA plans follow-ups, integrating AI for footage analysis.

This sleeper shark sighting underscores unexplored frontiers, urging investment in Australian deep-sea programs. For aspiring researchers, opportunities in higher ed career advice abound.

In conclusion, UWA's breakthrough illuminates Antarctic mysteries, affirming universities' vital role. Explore Rate My Professor, higher ed jobs, and university jobs to join the quest.