Fintastic news as Dorset Wildlife Trust is celebrating European Shark Week this October. The shark family is one of the most threatened species worldwide, and Dorset Wildlife Trust wants to show that even in Dorset you can make a difference to help save these beautiful creatures.
Over 30 species of shark are found in the UK. Porbeagle, tope, smoothhound, basking shark and the charismatic thresher with its huge tail are resident off our coast all year round. Others, like the powerful shortfin mako and the beautiful serpentine-like blue shark are seasonal visitors during the summer.
Dorset Wildlife Trust Marine Warden Marc Smith, who has worked with tiger sharks in Australia, said; “Sharks are in real trouble. It is estimated that over seventy million sharks are killed each year. About thirty percent of EU and fifty percent of British shark species are listed as threatened with some critically endangered. They are hunted for meat and caught as by-catch but most are killed simply for their fins”.
Help secure better protection
European Shark Week, which takes place every year, runs from 15th to 23rd October and aims to promote the conservation of these often misunderstood creatures. Marc Smith added; “To celebrate these magnificent predators and to raise awareness of these issues, we will be running events for people to find out more about British sharks and give them the opportunity to add their voice to help secure better protection for these amazing animals.”
Dorset Wildlife Trust Shark Week events include a free sand-sculpting competition on 22nd October, from 11am to 3pm on the beach beside Bournemouth Pier, suitable for families and groups of friends and anyone who wants to enjoy a day at the seaside. Dorset Wildlife Trust is aiming to beat last year’s 20 sand sharks and make it 50, in celebration of its 50th Anniversary.
There will also be a ‘Shark Day’ for young volunteers (13-25yrs) to find out more about shark biology, research and current global conservation issues, on 16th October at Kimmeridge Bay. Booking is essential for this event. For more information contact Marc Smith on 01929 481044, visit the events page on the website or email kimmeridge@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editor
For more information please contact Marc Smith at Dorset Wildlife Trust on 01929 481044.
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About Dorset Wildlife Trust www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
Working for a secure future for Dorset’s wildlife enriching the quality of life
Dorset Wildlife Trust works to champion wildlife and natural places, to engage and inspire people and to promote sustainable living. Founded in 1961, DWT is now the largest voluntary nature conservation organisation in Dorset, with over 25,000 members and over 40 nature reserves. Most are open daily and there are visitor centres providing a wealth of wildlife information at Brooklands Farm, Lorton Meadows, Kingcombe Meadows and Brownsea Island Nature Reserves, The Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve and the Urban Wildlife Centre at Upton Heath Nature Reserve. DWT plays a key role in dealing with local environmental issues and leads the way in establishing the practices of sustainable development and engaging new audiences in conservation, particularly in the urban areas.
Blog /wildlife-matters-blog.html
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A cat shark - Peter Tinsley
A mako shark sand scuplture from 2010's Shark Week - Dorset Wildlife Trust
Fintastic shark art from Theo Blasdale, a young shark fan - Dorset Wildlife Trust
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