The Presence of Sharks on the Catalan Coasts
The occasional presence of sharks on Catalan coasts is a phenomenon that, despite not being common, generates concern among local bathers and tourists who spend their summer holidays in the area. Although sharks are not easily visible, they inhabit the waters of the Mediterranean and are generally harmless to bathers. However, their presence can cause riots among bathers. According to the Nautical Channel, up to five species of sharks can be found in Spain, including the blue shark, the hammerhead shark, the cat shark, the white shark and the white shark. The white shark, known for its presence in colder and more turbulent waters such as the Atlantic, is one of the most feared species.
Factors Related to the Presence of Sharks
The presence of sharks in these areas is mainly related to climate change. Rising ocean temperatures are driving sharks north, in search of cooler habitats, as they are not adapted to such warm waters. This has led to shark sightings on several beaches, such as Alcanar, Cubelles, Portbou, and other areas of the Valencian Country and the Balearic Islands. In addition, surprising cases have been reported in the estuary of Vigo, Granada and the Canary Islands.
Recent Sightings and Alert Zones
Over the past year, there have been shark sightings on several beaches, including Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Valencia, Alicante, Galicia, Andalusia and the Canary Islands. These sightings have generated concern among bathers and local authorities, especially in cases such as the Vigo estuary, where sightings of great white sharks have been documented.
Conclusions
The presence of sharks on Catalan coasts and other areas of the Mediterranean is a phenomenon that has generated concern among bathers and local authorities. This situation, mainly related to climate change, has led to sightings of several species of sharks in areas where their presence is not common. Despite this, the authorities continue to ensure the safety of the beaches and remember that the presence of these animals is part of the marine ecosystem.