There are sharks in our waters, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans is educating the public on what to do if they encounter one.
Carolyn Miri, a marine biologist with DFO, says there are about 12 different species of sharks in the waters off of the province, and about six of those migrate here every summer.
She says the large migratory sharks that come here are shy, naturally curious, more scared of us than we are of them, and just want to be left alone.
1/2 #DYK a shark’s skin has dermal denticles (ancient, modified teeth) like sandpaper from its tail-to-nose, and that the leading edges of their fins are sharp, like fish-filleting knives? Always keep your distance from #NLSharks. pic.twitter.com/38oyl9GWrd
— DFO_NL (@DFO_NL) August 26, 2022
That’s why, Miri explains, it is best to keep a safe distance.
For those fishing out on the water, she says to keep bolt cutters and heavy work gloves nearby just in case a shark gets hooked on the line.
She says not to panic and to use the bolt cutters to snap the line, noting that this should be done quickly to increase the shark’s chances of survival and reduce stress.
Miri explains sharks are an important part of the ocean ecosystem.
She says large sharks are known as “apex predators,” meaning they are at the top of the food chain and are very important to the stability of the ecosystem.