Two sharks measuring about 2.5 meters in length were spotted in the Obidos Lagoon, the municipality of Caldas da Rainha said on Tuesday, advising swimmers not to stay in the water if they are spotted.
Two sharks, a species of shark quite common in Portuguese waters (Prionace glauca, commonly known as the shark), were spotted on Saturday, April 27, near the Palafítica do Nadadouro marina, in Braço da Barrosa, as announced by the municipality in the area Leiria, in a statement.
Although this is a fairly common phenomenon in coastal waters, “its presence in the interior of the lagoon is an extremely rare event and should be considered as an accidental occurrence,” can be read in the note in which the camera explains that the route of the Aberta (the canal that connects the lagoon to the sea) to Braço da Barros “most likely arose from the feeding activities of the species, which mainly involved the fishing of small fish, cuttlefish and squid.”
Despite the fact that they are sharks, the municipality emphasizes that they are a “fragile species and are largely endangered,” believing that “in a normal situation there is no cause for alarm.”
Despite this, “if detected, it is not recommended to remain in the water,” warns the municipality, adding that “these species should not be chased, cornered or touched, as if they feel threatened, they may undergo behavioral changes that are associated with risk to people.”
According to the Chamber, “it is most likely that the two dyers will return to sea on their own, which may have already happened,” but if there is a new sighting inside the lagoon, the sighting will be reported to the port authority. Peniche (262 790 330) and to the ICNF – Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (968 849 101) so that they can be rescued and returned to the ocean.
The presence of the dyers was reported by the municipalities of Caldas da Rainha and Óbidos (both bordering the lagoon) to the Maritime Authorities, the ICNF and the Western Subregional Command of Civil Protection.