With so many shark species under threat we think that seeing a shark in British waters should be a cause for celebration. There have also been no unprovoked shark bites in British waters since records began in 1847. None of these have ever been reported in British waters. Only a few sharks are potentially dangerous to humans. Shark sightings are all too often sensationalised in the media to generate news, causing unnecessary concern and even fear. So, if a White Shark were to be sighted in UK waters, we’d be the first to know. Although she was still 1,000 miles from British shores. In 2014, a tagged White Shark called Lydia was documented as the first of her species to cross the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. The closest confirmed report was of a female White Shark, captured in 1977 in the northern Bay of Biscay – 168 miles off Land’s End, Cornwall. Yet, British waters do provide good conditions for White Sharks, so it's not impossible. There has been no confirmed sightings or strong evidence to suggest they're here. But, as exciting as that would be, it's very unlikely. There's much debate about whether White Sharks are in British waters. Some sharks, such as the Smooth Hammerhead and Frilled Shark, may occasionally visit our waters. They can reach speeds of up to 30mph, enabling them to catch fast-swimming prey such as tuna and swordfish.
The Shortfin Mako is the fastest shark on record. Blue Sharks are highly migratory and can travel over 5,700 miles (9,200km) in a single trip. Other seasonal visitors include the Blue Shark and Shortfin Mako. Find out more by visiting our Basking Shark Project. Basking Shark season tends to be May-October, and there are a few hotspots around the British Isles where you'll most likely spot them. The filter-feeding Basking Shark! Often seen basking in the sun (thus its name) and feasting on plankton. In the warmer months you may be lucky enough to spot the world’s second largest fish.
Click here to find out more about our work on angel sharks. And now they’re one of the most heavily protected sharks in the Northeast Atlantic. In 2008, we helped to secure domestic protection for them in UK waters. Today Angelsharks are listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. This includes the once common Angelshark, which is now rarely encountered. Sadly, scientists consider over 50% of British sharks to be Threatened or Near Threatened. Including the Portuguese Dogfish, Black Dogfish, Kitefin Shark and Gulper Shark. Click here to find out more.Īs well as the 21 resident sharks, there are at least 11 deepwater shark species. And you can often find their empty eggcases washed up in the strandline.īECOME A CITIZEN SCIENTIST - help us search the coastline for shark and skate eggcases! Eggcase hunting is great fun for all the family and you’ll be helping shark conservation. But you may find evidence of Smallspotted Catsharks or Nursehounds. You’re very unlikely to encounter one during a trip to the beach. In fact, we have over 40 species! Including some of the fastest, rarest, largest and most highly migratory in the world!Īt least 21 species live in British waters all year round. Contrary to popular belief, sharks do occur around the coasts of Britain.
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