First in situ observations of the goblin shark Mitsukurina owstoni

Abstract

We report the first live in situ observations of the iconic goblin shark (Mitsukurina owstoni) on a seamount near Jarvis Island in 2019 and on the slope of the Tonga Trench in 2024. Past observations are restricted to specimens hauled to the surface, resulting in limited knowledge of this species' ecology. These observations extend its known geographic and depth range considerably, and extend the depth range of lamniform sharks by 108 m. To further clarify habitat preferences and assess conservation status, further sampling, particularly with remote video, is required.