VIGO – The possible presence of sharks gives many a swimmer in the sea headaches or even fear of death. The latter is unnecessary because in Spain, they rarely cause dangerous situations. However, it’s good to know what to do if you see one
They are increasingly common during the summer months. It is also one of the most emblematic sharks in Galician waters: the Prionace glauca – the blue shark. This is known at this time of year for exchanging the deep waters for the shallow waters and then regularly approaching the beaches.
Many Galicians have become accustomed to seeing one of these specimens, but with tourists, it is often different. They are especially startled when they see a fin appear on the surface, however small, as with these sharks.
See also: Injured 2-metre shark off Ibiza coast
Authorities in the northwestern Spanish region have also seen several sharks this summer on the Galician coasts in places like Sanxenxo or Arteixo, according to the newspaper Faro de Vigo. Often it was about this blue shark.
What to do if you see a shark?
A marine mammal study coordinator from a Galician NGO dedicated to technical and scientific research has made it clear what to do if you see a blue shark. The most important advice is to leave the animal alone.
See also: Beaches in Spain evacuated due to shark close to coast
This is indicated in one of their publications on the official Twitter account. There they indicate that these are shark species that, although they can instil fear because of their appearance, are completely harmless.
“Let’s not forget that they are harmless and that we should leave them alone. If the animal appears to be stranded, it is better to help it return to the sea. Do this carefully and use, for example, a towel “, the publication reads.
Characteristics of the Prionace glauca
Specimens of Prionace glauca can be recognised by a small, spindle-shaped and thin body. Furthermore, one of the most striking features of these sharks is that they have an elongated and pointed snouts. On its back, the animal has two fins. The first is rounded and the second is much smaller and sits almost at the end of its body. The shark also has two pectoral fins that are very long about its body, thin and slightly curved, as well as an anal fin with short ridges. This is stated in the blue shark technical data sheet prepared by the Ministry.
