A uncommon shark washed up on the shores of County Wexford, in what scientists imagine to be the primary official report of the species in Irish waters.
The smalltooth sand tiger (Odontaspis ferox) isn’t seen by people because it usually lives offshore in waters greater than 100 metres deep.
At 4.3 metres lengthy, the feminine shark found in Wexford is on the higher finish of the dimensions limits for the species.
Scientists at Trinity College Dublin stated they have been stunned to see it in Co Wexford, because it was regarded as distributed solely as far north because the Bay of Biscay within the japanese Atlantic Ocean.
Shark biologist Dr Nicholas Payne, an assistant professor at Trinity College Dublin’s School of Natural Sciences, was notified of the stranding by a Swiss vacationer who occurred throughout the shark whereas strolling on Saturday.
He stated he “couldn’t believe it” when he was notified.
“I knew we had to get down there urgently to sample this rare animal,” Payne stated.
A group of researches from Trinity College and University College Dublin labored in opposition to the incoming tide to take organic samples from the shark in a bid to find why it died.
“We will now do a number of tests to try to learn what might have caused this to happen and also to learn more about this species in general,” Dr Payne stated.
Another shark of the identical species washed up in southern England two weeks in the past.
“To see a second one here so soon after is a little concerning,” Dr Payne added.
The smalltooth sand tiger sharks are assessed as “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Dr Jenny Bortoluzzi helped with the dissection and stated the data will probably be “invaluable.”
“It’s also wonderful that a member of the public contacted us because it shows increasing awareness, and we hope this encourages more people to get in touch in the future should they come across something similar.”
Source: www.anews.com.tr
