Video captures lots of dead sharks on Welsh coast
Footage captures lots of dead sharks on Welsh coastFootage taken in the Mumbles has captured lots of dead sharks at a coastline in south Wales. The video footage was taken by John Rees from Swansea and shows a number of dead bull huss – or dogfish – and rays.Mr Rees claimed the footage was taken after a local fishing competition had taken place. “I counted at least 15 dead dogfish and rays,” he told WalesOnline.“Some had fishing tackle attached. Recreational fishing can have a significant impact on these types of sharks with many anglers using inappropriate fishing tackle or simply cutting lines rather than correctly unhooking.” For the biggest stories in Wales first sign up to our daily newsletter.This was the scene captured by a dog walker in the Mumbles after what he claimed was a fishing competition(Image: John Rees)Bull huss, a member of the shark family, are commonly found along Wales’ coastline all year round. They generally prefer deeper water and rockier ground where they can stay in cracks and crevices such as at Knab Rock where Mr Rees took the footage.According to the group Fishing in Wales bull huss, sometimes called the greater spotted dogfish, can grow up to five feet in exceptional cases. Most caught along Wales’ coast weigh between four pounds and 10 pounds.Although they’re not usually specifically targeted bull huss are often fished by anglers as a by-catch and as a result they are now listed as near-threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).Mr Rees said he counted at least 15 dead sharks and rays in the water at Knab Rock(Image: John Rees)Mr Rees added: “Anglers need to be aware of the impact of their actions and ensure they are taking measures to minimise suffering.”Days later Cameron Gigg celebrated catching a bull huss off the pier in Porthcawl. He said he had his picture taken with the 11-pound shark and released it appropriately back into the water.“I think I’m the first person to catch one there,” Cameron said. “I was very shocked when I caught one. It’s my personal best."Cameron Gigg proudly holding the bull huss he caught in Porthcawl(Image: Cameron Gigg)He added: “I didn’t feel I had any fight on it. I didn’t know I had it on the end of the line but it was massive. They’re brilliant animals.“Someone I know fishes down at Porthcawl a lot and said he’s never known anyone catch one down there. I know they are commonly caught down Knab Rock.”On the bull huss being found dead at Knab Rock he said: “I have now seen quite a few videos and posts on social media about them being killed. It’s awful to see. I’ve been going nuts about it. I’ve been broadcasting them on Facebook.”Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice.
