Contrary to popular belief, sharks do occur around the coasts of Britain. In fact we have over 40 species! An estimated 10 million small and 100,000 larger sharks from 40 different species are found in UK waters..

At least 21 species live in British waters all year round. You’re very unlikely to encounter one during a trip to the beach.

As well as the 21 resident sharks, there are at least 11 deepwater shark species. Including the Portuguese Dogfish, Black Dogfish, Kitefin Shark and Gulper Shark.

In the warmer months, the filter-feeding Basking Shark may be seen basking in the sun (thus it's name) and feasting on plankton.

Other seasonal visitors include the Blue Shark and Shortfin Mako. Blue Sharks are highly migratory and can travel over 5,700 miles (9,200 km) in a single trip. The Shortfin Mako is the fastest shark on record. They can reach speeds of up to 30mph! Enabling them to catch fast-swimming prey such as tuna and swordfish.

Some sharks, such as the Smooth Hammerhead and Frilled Shark, may occasionally enter our waters.

Only a few sharks are potentially dangerous to humans. None of these have ever been reported in British waters. There have also been no unprovoked shark bites in British waters since records began in 1847.

More than 200,000 people a year are estimated to be bitten by dogs in England.

Hospital admissions due to dog bites have been steadily rising, rising from 4,000 to 7000 (Health and Social Care Information Centre.)


2007-08: 4,611 hospital admissions

2008-09: 5,221 hospital admissions

2009-10: 5,837 hospital admissions

2010-11: 6,005 hospital admissions

2011-12: 6,580 hospital admissions

2012-13: 6,302 hospital admissions

I haven't been tempted to swim in the sea around Britain since I was a foolhardy teenager - not because I'm worried about sharks but because it's too blooming cold!

I often swim in the sea in the clear, warm waters around the Greek Islands and my main worry there is avoiding stepping on those pesky sea urchins - I've seen plenty of dolphins but never seen a shark.

There were 4 fatalities worldwide in 2016 out of a world poplation of 7,466,964,280.