Endangered shark washes up dead

31st July 2007

Far from striking fear into the hearts of holiday makers, a dead, juvenile porbeagle shark met with sympathy and interest at Gunwalloe on the Lizard, where it washed ashore this weekend. Families gathered around to look at the stricken shark and many commented on how fascinating it was to see one. However, they also expressed great sadness to see that it had died and were keen to know the cause of its death.

Following the hysteria that certain media coverage of the supposed great white sightings created over the weekend, it is reassuring that people on the beach showed no signs of fear at the sight of the dead shark. People were still surfing and swimming and didn't seem at all concerned - and rightly so.

Jeff Loveridge, who recorded the fish for Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Marine Strandings Network said, "The children were particularly interested and appreciated how lucky they were to get up close and personal with such a rare shark, but many said how sad it was to see it dead. We were really grateful to the holiday makers that helped us carry it - and to the chap who helped confirm the species: he just happened to have a shark reference book with him at the time."

Jan Loveridge of the Trust’s Marine Strandings network commented, "When the Kerrier Lifeguards called us out, we expected to find a small dogfish, so it was a bit of a shock to encounter this fantastic shark. At this time of year it is common for stranded basking sharks to be reported, but this is the first time we’ve received a call about a porbeagle."

Caroline Curtis, a volunteer who helped record the shark said, "This young shark was only 1.5m long and looked as if it had died very recently. Sadly we found what resembles rope marks around the shark’s body, indicating that it may have died as a result of being caught in fishing gear."

Joana Doyle, Marine Conservation Officer for the Trust added, "The porbeagle, which is one of the species of shark most often confused for being a great white, does not pose any threat to humans. In fact, it is us that threaten their survival. Porbeagle sharks are now critically endangered in the Northeast Atlantic due to overexploitation for their meat and from being accidentally caught in fishing nets."

"Sharks are fascinating creatures and most are under severe threat due to over-fishing. It would make a refreshing change to see the media help us promote shark conservation, rather than focusing on these apparent great white sightings which are guaranteed to hit the papers each year, leaving many people unnecessarily terrified of getting in the sea."

The porbeagle can grow to around 3.5m (about 12 ft), weigh over 230kg (500lbs) and live up to 30 years. Low reproductive capacity and high commercial value of the meat makes this species highly vulnerable to over-exploitation and population depletion.

It is important that members of the public call the Trust’s 24-hour Marine Strandings Hotline on 0845 201 2626 if they ever come across a dead marine animal. This means that volunteers can then record important information about the animals and take samples. Samples were taken from the porbeagle for the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, who is currently undertaking research into all species of shark. The Trust will also share the data with the Shark Trust, who work hard to promote shark conservation.