DRY-RUN Polar shark

The aim of this mission was to prepare the conditions for scuba diving and polar shark observation for the arrival of an expedition ship in September 2025.

The polar shark, also known as the Greenland shark, is one of the greatest mysteries of the Arctic depths. This colossus of the seas can grow to over 7 meters in length and lives at depths of over 300 meters, in extremely cold, dark waters. Its longevity is just as impressive as its size: it can live up to 500 years, making it the longest-living vertebrate known to date. This incredible lifespan is probably due to its very slow metabolism, adapted to the extreme conditions of polar waters.

Despite its important role in the Arctic ecosystem, our knowledge of the Greenland shark remains very limited. These creatures are rarely observed, and their behavior, migrations and feeding habits remain largely a mystery.

In the past, the Greenlanders used its flesh, which was toxic in its raw state due to the presence of urea compounds, but which, once rinsed several times with fresh water, became a source of food for their dogs. Its jaws, with their sharp teeth, were also highly prized for making hunting knives.

During our scouting expedition, we had the opportunity to combine modern scientific data with the traditional knowledge of Greenlandic hunters. This approach enabled us to identify the best places to observe this fascinating animal and hope to unlock some of the secrets surrounding the polar shark and better understand its role within polar ecosystems.

The weather conditions, combined with the complexity of observing this animal, meant that we were unable to observe it during this expedition, but we were able to identify with certainty the best spots and optimal conditions to give the 2025 mission the maximum chance if it is confirmed.