Reports of shark sightings near the coast of Malaga are indeed rare but not impossible. Last year, visitors and marine workers spotted some sharks. These reports sparked concerns among individuals on social media. However, experts assure everyone that most shark species reside off the coast and away from humans.
Understanding shark presence in Malaga
A biologist at the Aula del Mar Museum named Juan Jesus Martin shared his insights on this matter. According to him, there are around 20 shark species living in the Alboran Sea. The Alboran Sea is a transition zone between the sea and the ocean. It is located between North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula, thus being home to Mediterranean and Atlantic species. Juan Jesus Martin shared that the shark species in the Alboran Sea do not usually get off the shore, with the only exception of injury and illness. Sharks in good health are even rarer to be spotted in Malaga, making the record for shark attacks in Costa del Sol zero.
Historical context: Shark incidents in Spain
Throughout the past century, Spain, including the Canary Islands, both its island and mainland, has registered 60 shark attacks. In 1980, there was a case where a shark attacked a surfer in Tarifa. In Costa Blanca, a bather was bitten by a shark in 2016, making both of these notable cases far apart.
A white shark in Manilva shocked locals with its impromptu visit. Tiger sharks and white sharks normally inhabit the Strait of Gibraltar, making this spotting very unexpected. These occasional sightings pushed guards to temporarily announce beach closures for safety. The percentage of shark attacks occurring in Malaga is still 1 in 100 million, making it astronomically low.
Viral Concerns
A recent viral video on social media about a shark spotted near the Port of Malaga became the topic of concern among locals. However, the shark had been identified as a basking shark, making it harmless. According to experts, the largest shark in the Mediterranean is the basking shark, with a length of 8 meters. Although long, this shark is totally harmless as it has no teeth. In fact, its the other way around. The basking shark is an endangered species, as its population has declined by up to 80% in the last century. Conservationists view the sighting of a basking shark as positive since it serves as a reminder of Malaga’s rich biodiversity.
While viral videos like this one might cause a stir, it is important to remind yourself of the harmless nature of these species. Of course, safety first when one is spotted but it is important to stay calm until experts warns otherwise.