The idea of sharks lurking off the Belgian coast might seem far-fetched, conjuring images of tropical beaches rather than the often grey North Sea. However, sharks, in various forms, do indeed inhabit the waters near Belgium.
The most common shark species found here is the tope shark (Galeorhinus galeus). These slender, grey sharks are migratory and often visit the North Sea during the warmer months, typically from spring to autumn, to feed and breed. They are relatively small, typically reaching lengths of around 1.5 to 2 meters, and pose virtually no threat to humans. Tope sharks primarily feed on fish, crustaceans, and squid. They are active predators but are not aggressive towards humans unless provoked, which is highly unlikely in a natural setting.
Other shark species that have been occasionally spotted or caught in Belgian waters include the spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias), the small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula), and the smooth-hound (Mustelus asterias). The spiny dogfish is a small, schooling shark with venomous spines on its dorsal fins, providing a defensive mechanism. They are more commonly found in deeper waters but can sometimes venture closer to the coast. Catsharks are bottom-dwelling sharks with distinctive dark spots and are also harmless to humans. Smooth-hounds are similar to tope sharks in appearance but are generally smaller and have blunt, pavement-like teeth adapted for crushing crustaceans.
While sightings of larger, more potentially dangerous shark species, such as the porbeagle (Lamna nasus) or even the basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus), are rare, they cannot be entirely ruled out. The porbeagle is a fast-swimming mackerel shark that occasionally ventures into the North Sea, while the basking shark, a giant filter-feeder, might pass through in search of plankton. However, the presence of these species near the Belgian coast is infrequent and generally unconfirmed.
It’s crucial to understand that the Belgian coast is not a shark-infested area. Shark attacks are practically unheard of in this region. The existing shark populations are relatively small and consist primarily of species that pose little to no risk to humans. The North Sea’s ecosystem provides a suitable habitat for these sharks, particularly for foraging purposes. However, factors like pollution, overfishing, and climate change could potentially impact shark populations in the area.
Scientists and marine biologists are constantly monitoring shark populations and their movements in the North Sea to better understand their role in the ecosystem and to assess any potential risks or changes in their distribution. While the thought of sharks near the Belgian coast might raise eyebrows, it’s important to appreciate them as an integral part of the marine environment, rather than viewing them as a threat.
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