European Shark Week at Bournemouth Beach

We are hoping to see lots of sharks on Bournemouth beach this autumn as part of the celebrations for European Shark Week from 9th to 17th October. A Shark Sand Sculpture competition comes to the beach on Saturday 16th October, organised by us and Bournemouth Oceanarium to raise awareness of these endangered animals.

What has happened to sharks?

More than 50% of British shark species are threatened and some are now critically endangered. Globally, around 70 million sharks are killed each year, some for meat or as by-catch but mostly just for their fins.

DWT volunteer Marc Smith, who has worked with sharks in Australia, is organising the event to show people what magnificent creatures they are and to win support for their protection.

He said “We hope this free event will attract lots of families and groups of friends to come and learn about our British sharks, build their own and maybe win one of the cool shark-related prizes. There has never been a ‘real’ shark attack involving serious injury to humans in British waters. Cows are statistically more dangerous to Britons than sharks!”

Come to Bournemouth Beach & Find out about Sharks

There will be information about sharks, quizzes for the children, a petition for the parents to sign and a raffle to raise money for shark conservation, plus the chance to see live sharks next door in the Bournemouth Oceanarium.

Marc added: “We want as many people as possible to come down and fill the beach with sharks to show their support for shark conservation. It will be bucket loads of fun!”

Sand Sculpture Competition Open to All

The Shark Sand Sculpture competition is on Saturday 16th October from 11am to 4pm on the beach beside Bournemouth Pier. For more information contact Marc at marc.smith.dwt@live.co.uk or ring Dus on 01929 481044.

We are also running a ‘Surf n Turf’ day on 10th October for 13-25 year olds, where marine enthusiasts can learn about shark biology, behaviour and conservation with a special guest speaker. This event will be held at the Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge Bay. Spaces are limited so for more information and to book a place contact us at Kimmeridge@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk or ring 01929 481044

Notes to Editor

For more information please contact Dorset Wildlife Trust on 01929 481044.
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About Dorset Wildlife Trust www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
Dorset Wildlife Trust was founded in 1961 to protect the wildlife and natural habitats of the county and now has over 25,000 members and manages 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.

The largest voluntary nature conservation organisation in Dorset, DWT plays a key role in dealing with local environmental issues. It leads the way in establishing the practices of sustainable development and engaging new audiences in conservation, particularly in the urban areas.