To mark the 50th anniversary of the release of the film Jaws, a shark has visited the shallows off the coast of Dorset. Although I doubt Steven Spielberg will mark the occasion with a new take on the 450 million-year-old species, it is something locals should perhaps investigate a little further. With this in mind… that is exactly what we shall have a go at.
Before we do, however let us take a look at our recent visitor.
The southern coast of the United Kingdom, particularly around Dorset, is known for its rich marine biodiversity. While sharks might not be the first creatures that come to mind when thinking of British waters, the seas off Dorset play host to several fascinating species, both resident and migratory. As ocean temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, even more varieties of sharks may start frequenting these coastal waters.
Sharks Currently Found Off the Dorset Coast
Porbeagle Shark (Lamna nasus) – the visitor above
Perhaps the most notable shark off Dorset’s coast is the Porbeagle. Related to the great white, the Porbeagle is a large, powerful species known for its pointed snout and robust build. Typically ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 metres in length, Porbeagles are solitary hunters, feeding mainly on fish and cephalopods. Though occasionally mistaken for more dangerous species, they pose little threat to humans. Their presence in the English Channel, including off Dorset, is seasonal, often peaking in spring and early summer.
Blue Shark (Prionace glauca)
Blue sharks are elegant, pelagic predators found in deeper offshore waters, but they occasionally venture closer to the coast, especially during warmer months. With slender bodies and striking blue colouring, they are one of the most widespread shark species. In Dorset, sightings are rare but increasing, possibly due to warming waters pushing their range northward.
Dogfish (Small-spotted Catshark, Scyliorhinus canicula)
One of the most common shark species around the UK, the small-spotted catshark, commonly referred to as the dogfish, is frequently found in shallow coastal waters, including around Dorset. These small, bottom-dwelling sharks grow to about a metre in length and are often spotted by divers and anglers. They feed on crustaceans, molluscs, and small fish.
Smooth-hound Shark (Mustelus mustelus)
Often confused with dogfish, smooth-hounds are slightly larger and sleeker in appearance. They tend to inhabit sandy or muddy seabeds and feed mainly on crustaceans. Smooth-hounds are not uncommon off Dorset and are frequently caught by inshore fishermen.
Tope Shark (Galeorhinus galeus)
Also known as the school shark, the tope is another migratory species occasionally seen off the Dorset coast. Growing up to two metres long, these agile hunters favour deeper waters but may approach shorelines in summer. They are particularly popular with sport anglers for their size and fighting spirit.
Future Visitors: Sharks That May Increase in Numbers with Warming Seas
As sea temperatures in the English Channel continue to rise, particularly in response to broader climate change patterns, marine ecosystems are shifting. Warmer waters could attract shark species more commonly found in subtropical and temperate zones.
Shortfin Mako Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus)
This fast-swimming shark, a close relative of the Porbeagle, thrives in warmer seas but could begin to appear more frequently around the south coast of the UK if sea temperatures continue to climb. Known for their speed and leaping ability, Makos are apex predators and are typically found offshore.
Thresher Shark (Alopias vulpinus)
Thresher sharks are already known in southern UK waters but remain a rare sight. With their distinctive, whip-like tails, they use incredible bursts of speed to stun prey. As waters warm, sightings off Dorset may increase, particularly during the summer months.
Scalloped Hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini)
Though not yet recorded in UK waters, the scalloped hammerhead has been moving northwards in other parts of the Atlantic. Should oceanic warming trends continue, the unique silhouette of the hammerhead could one day become a feature of British seas.
Blacktip Shark (Carcharhinus limbatus)
Typically found in tropical and subtropical waters, blacktip sharks might begin to migrate into the southern UK as marine conditions become more suitable. Their presence would signify a major ecological shift and could impact local fish populations.
Conservation and Public Awareness
Shark sightings off the Dorset coast, while still uncommon in the public eye, are important indicators of marine health and biodiversity. Most sharks present little or no danger to humans and play a critical role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. Public education and responsible marine management are essential to ensure that as new species arrive or increase in number, they are met with understanding and protection rather than fear.
As the sea around the UK continues to warm, Dorset may find itself at the forefront of new marine dynamics. For wildlife watchers, anglers, and conservationists alike, the changing patterns of shark presence present both an opportunity and a challenge worth navigating carefully.
