Shark washes up on Playa del Duque

[Janet]

Bathers had quite a shock last Friday morning when a 3m white shark was washed up on the Playa del Duque: the above photo has been confirmed as genuine even though it was thought at first to be a hoax because the shark had been put on a sunbed. The animal was dead when it washed up, and the servicio de Fauna (Medio Ambiente) del Cabildo de Tenerife is carrying out tests to determine the cause of its death. Experts say that although sharks are found in Canarian waters they usually don't come within 300m or so of the coast. Nonetheless, it is only a few weeks since another appeared in Puerto de la Cruz, and one was found a year ago in the fish farms between Palm Mar and Los Cristianos, and another in the Arico area. It seems that in many cases they are attracted by the fish farms, or the discharge from fishing boats, but Adeje residents say that it is increasingly common to see them near bathing areas. There are thankfully no reports, however, of any encounters between bathers and sharks. JA

[Michael]

It seems that in many cases they are attracted by the fish farms, or the discharge from fishing boats, but Adeje residents say that it is increasingly common to see them near bathing areas. There are thankfully no reports, however, of any encounters between bathers and sharks. JA