Experts split on UK Great Whites (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

Experts have clashed over the existence of Great White Sharks off the UK coast.

Speculation is mounting amid a series of claimed sightings by holidaymakers and fishermen and a new documentary on BBC One on Sunday.

Marine biologist Douglas Herdson, from the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, rejected claims of sightings.

But shark conservationist Richard Peirce says the weight of anecdotal evidence convinces him that Great Whites are in UK waters.

Mr Herdson said: "Temperature and conditions here are all fine, and I'm sure they have been here in the last 3-4,000 years, but they are now so rare it is very unlikely.
***
more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/cornwall/5223142.stm

They don't seem to be trying to establish a connection to a global warming-induced shift of population; at least it's not mentioned here. But one has to wonder about that for the future.

[benburch]

1. There is a nice Chardonnay from Bristol. nt

[The Deacon]

2. Actually

The Great White is unusual amoung sharks (and fishes) in that it is "warm-blooded" - so Global Warming is unnecessary - Great Whites have been observed as far north as Nova Scotia. Now, if White Tip Reef sharks or Great Hammerheads start showing up - we're screwed.

[NickB79]

3. If the oceans south of England are heating up

The Great Whites may be migrating north to find cooler waters; ie their warm-blooded physiology is now a detriment to their survival in what was once their native range.

Global warming will not only expand species ranges into formerly colder climates, but also push them out of native ranges that are now too warm for them to handle.

[fedsron2us]

4. Mako and porbeagle sharks are known to visit the seas around Britain

The former do not look that dissimilar to juvenile Great White sharks. They probably account for most of the supposed sightings. As one of the biologists interviewed in the program said Great White sharks are rare in this part of the Northern Atlantic and sadly appear to be getting scarcer so people are very unlikely to see one.