Two dye sharks (blue shark) measuring around 2.5 meters in length were spotted in the Óbidos lagoon, the municipality of Caldas da Rainha reported this Tuesday, recommending that in case of sighting of these sharks, bathers do not stay inside of water.
The two dyers, a species of shark that is quite common in Portuguese waters (Prionace glaucacommonly known as dogfish), were sighted on Saturday, April 27th, next to the Nadadouro Stilt Wharf, in Braço da Barrosa, the municipality, in the district of Leiria, announced in a statement.
Although quite common in coastal waters, “its presence in the interior of the lagoon is an extremely rare event and should be seen as casual”, can be read in the note, in which the camera explains that the route of the Aberta (channel that connects the lagoon to the sea) to Braço da Barrosa “most likely resulted from the feeding activity of this species, which mainly involves the capture of small fish, cuttlefish and squid”.
Despite being sharks, the municipality emphasizes that they are “fragile species and, for the most part, at risk of extinction”, considering that “in a normal situation there is no reason for alarm”.
Even so, “in the event of a sighting, it is not recommended to remain in the water”, warns the municipality, adding that “these species should not be chased, cornered or touched, since, if they feel threatened, they may have behavioral changes that involve risk to people”.
According to the Chamber, “the most likely will be that these two dyers will return to the sea independently, which may have already happened”, but in the event of a new sighting inside the lagoon, the observation will be reported to the Port Authority of Peniche (262 790 330) and ICNF – Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (968 849 101) so that they can be rescued and returned to the ocean.
The presence of the dyers was communicated by the municipalities of Caldas da Rainha and Óbidos (both bordering the lagoon) to the Maritime Authority, ICNF and Civil Protection – West Sub-Regional Command.