Endangered thresher shark sighted
Thursday 8th July 2010
One of our most magnificent and endangered fish has been sighted catching mackerel off Bournemouth this week. Anglers Ben March and Mark Linzner were fishing from their 13 foot double kayak just half a mile out from Boscombe Pier on Monday evening, when they accidentally caught the young thresher shark.
Named because of their long, mobile tail, thresher sharks are one of over 30 species of shark found in British waters, all of which have suffered massive decline and now rank amongst the most endangered animals on the planet. Worldwide, tens of millions of sharks are killed each year for their meat, fins and liver oil. Huge numbers are also accidentally killed on long-lines set to catch fish such as swordfish and tuna.
Dorset Wildlife Trust member Ben realised he had more than a mackerel on the line as he felt the bigger fish snatch the mackerel he had just hooked. He said: “I managed to pull it in quite close to the kayak and I saw its long tail and could see the mackerel half in its mouth”. Not wanting to leave the shark with a hook still in its mouth, the pair tried to paddle ashore where they could release it unharmed but after 20 minutes, it bit through the line and disappeared.
Julie Hatcher, Marine Awareness Officer for Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “It is always a privilege to encounter one of these iconic animals in the wild. As top predators, sharks play a pivotal role in maintaining balance in the marine environment. Ben and Mark did not feel at all threatened by the shark but were concerned about its safety. Thresher sharks are not aggressive to humans, but the size and power of these large animals should be respected.”
Dorset Wildlife Trust welcomes reports of marine encounters in its work towards ensuring a healthy marine environment. Things you can do to help include:
• kayakers can record what they see and take part in surveys at www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/affiliation.html or call 01929 481044.
• anglers can help to protect our marine life by supporting the Recycle Fish scheme at www.recyclefish.com.
• everybody can choose seafood caught in Dorset by low impact fisheries such as shellfish potting and hand-lining, and avoid skate, shark, huss, ‘rock salmon’ or ‘flake’ and fish from less well managed fisheries.
For more information contact Dorset Wildlife Trust at 01929 481044 www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk.
Story by Dorset Wildlife Trust