An unusual number of starry smooth-hounds are washing ashore between Koksijde and De Panne, probably the result of abandoned by-catch by a commercial fishing boat
At least 24 starry smooth-hounds, a species of houndshark, have been found washed ashore on the Flemish coast this morning. The dead houndsharks were found between Koksijde and De Panne.
The animals of about one-metre long were likely dumped by one or more fishing boats, according to agricultural institute Ilvo. “The sharks were probably discarded as bycatch from fishing,” says Joanna Desmidt of Ilvo. “That also happened last weekend in Wales, where smooth-hound sharks washed ashore as well.”
It’s possible that more of these animals will wash ashore
Joanna Desmidt of Ilvo
She admits that it is unusual to see so many beached houndsharks at once, and the institute is investigating whether a commercial fishing boat is to blame. The sharks have been washing ashore since yesterday, she confirmed, when someone walking on the beach spotted six of them. The man called it “a macabre discovery”.
“It’s possible that more of these animals will end up on the shore,” Desmidt continues. “Especially in this weather, there are quite a few walkers, and they tend to spot the sharks quickly.”
The starry smooth-hound is not a threatened species and so no sanctions are expected. It is not even legally required to remove them from the beach, but Koksijde’s environmental department is doing so due to their size.