Devon Angler Releases Massive Tope Shark Due to Boat Size Constraints
A Devon fisherman caught a 6.5-foot tope shark but had to release it as it was too large for his 15-foot boat. The unexpected catch highlights the presence of these critically endangered sharks in UK waters.
In a recent fishing expedition off the Devon coast, Aaron Jones, a 42-year-old kitchen fitter from Bradworthy, encountered an unexpected challenge when he hooked a massive tope shark. The 6.5-foot-long creature proved too large for Jones' 15-foot Dory boat, forcing him to release it back into the waters of the Taw-Torridge Estuary.
Jones, accompanied by his brother Liam and a friend, spent 20 minutes reeling in the impressive catch. The group made the prudent decision not to attempt lifting the shark onboard, citing safety concerns and lack of space.
"When it surfaced my reaction was just 'oh my God', it was huge. It was easily two metres long and we reckon over 60lbs. There was not enough room on the boat to get it on board with three of us. It would have been dangerous if it started thrashing around so we just let it go."
This unexpected encounter sheds light on the presence of tope sharks in UK waters. Known scientifically as Galeorhinus galeus, these sharks can grow up to 7 feet in length. Despite their intimidating appearance, tope sharks pose no threat to humans.
Tope sharks, also called school sharks or soupfin sharks, are found in temperate seas worldwide. They can live up to 55 years and are known for their migratory nature, often traveling long distances. These sharks play a crucial role in maintaining marine ecosystem balance and possess unique features such as electroreceptors called ampullae of Lorenzini.
While common in UK waters, the global tope shark population has faced a significant decline. Over the past 80 years, their numbers have decreased by 88%, leading the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to classify them as critically endangered. This decline is largely attributed to overfishing, as tope sharks have been heavily targeted for their liver oil and meat.
Conservation efforts are currently underway to protect tope shark populations in various regions. Their slow growth rate makes them particularly vulnerable to overfishing, highlighting the importance of sustainable fishing practices and conservation measures.
The largest tope shark caught in UK waters weighed 81 pounds and was reeled in off Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, in 1991. Jones' recent encounter, while not record-breaking, serves as a reminder of the diverse marine life present in British coastal waters and the ongoing need for conservation efforts to protect these remarkable creatures.
