A dead shark has been discovered in the River Erne, with fisheries officials believing the animal was caught and then dumped back into the river.
Inland Fisheries Ireland were first alerted to the one mete long spurdog shark floating on the river in Belturbet, Co Cavan on September 17.
The organisation said the incident was a ‘cause for concern’ and condemned the act of dumping any shark or fish species into local rivers and lakes.
It also appealed for anyone with information on the shark to get in touch.
“On Friday, September 17th 2021, Inland Fisheries Ireland Officers in Cavan were alerted by a member of the public that a small dead shark was floating in the River Erne at Belturbet,” Inland Fisheries Ireland said in a statement.
“Officers immediately attended the scene and removed the carcass for analysis and identification. Inland Fisheries Ireland believes that it was a small spurdog shark, measuring approximately one metre in length.
“As spurdog sharks are a marine species, early indications are that the spurdog shark was caught at sea, with a rod and line, and possibly dumped at Foalies Bridge in Belturbet.
“The incident is a cause for concern for Inland Fisheries Ireland as the body advocates a ‘catch and release’ approach with shark species, whereby any shark caught when angling should be safely released back into the same waters.
“The agency also strongly condemns the act of dumping shark or fish species, dead or alive, which can lead to severe biodiversity or pollution issues within rivers or lakes.
“Anyone with any information regarding this incident in Belturbet is encouraged to contact Inland Fisheries Ireland.”
