The Presence of Sharks in Mediterranean Waters
The sighting of sharks on the Catalan coast is a rare event, but every summer, some of these specimens make an appearance, generating concern among local bathers and tourists who enjoy their holidays in the area. Although it is not common to see these sharks, this does not mean that they do not live in the waters of the Mediterranean. In general, they are harmless to bathers, despite the fright that finding them in the water can cause.
Factors Related to the Presence of Sharks
As detailed by Nautical Channel, sharks in the Spanish state tend to be more present in the area of the Atlantic Ocean, the Cantabrian Sea and the Mediterranean, with the presence of up to five species: blue shark, popularly known as blue sharks, hammerhead shark, dogfish, white and dogfish. The presence of these animals is related to various factors, climate change being the main one. Rising ocean temperatures drive aquatic animals north in search of cooler habitats, as they are not adapted to such warm waters.
Recent Sightings and Recommendations
Last year, the presence of two sharks forced the Alcanar (Montsià) Town Hall to evacuate the beaches of Martinenca, Maricel and Marjal, and to raise the red flag. This year, at the beginning of June, a shark that ran aground on the beach of Ocata, in Masnou (Maresme), caused concern. In addition, sightings have been reported in other areas, such as Cubelles (Garraf) and Portbou (Alt Empordà), which has caused scenes of panic among bathers.
Other Sightings in the Valencian Country and the Balearic Islands
In the rest of the Catalan Countries, there have been sightings on the beaches of Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza (Balearic Islands). For example, last year, a man suffered an attack by a blue shark in the Port of Ciutadella, Menorca. Other species of sharks have also been sighted on beaches in the Valencian Country, such as Patacona and Las Arenas (València), as well as on the beach of Arenales de Sol and on the island of Tabarca (Alicante).
Places with Surprising Sightings in the Spanish State
The Vigo estuary (Galicia) has been the scene of sightings of white sharks, with specimens exceeding 10 meters in length and 100 kilos in weight. In Granada (Andalusia), the tranquility on the beaches and in the sea attracted a large number of basking sharks to the coasts, to the Mamola beach and to Calahonda. In the Canary Islands, up to 86 species of sharks have been documented, such as the hammerhead shark, the sunray or the whale shark.