A six-metre-long hammerhead shark has been spotted in the waters near Arrecife Marina. The waters around Lanzarote have been unusually calm recently, with a presence of haze and no significant sea currents. These conditions create an ideal habitat for hammerhead sharks, drawing them closer to coastal areas.
It was spotted by a fisherman yesterday morning (Tuesday), who noticed it along the coast near Arrecife, the capital of Lanzarote, and posted a video of it on social media showing its distinctive dorsal fin protruding above the water's surface.
The good news is that contrary to popular belief, this species poses no threat to humans unless provoked, and is regularly spotted during routine observations in the Canary Islands.
The hammerhead shark is a remarkable specimen of shark, capable of reaching lengths exceeding 6 metres and weighing up to 600kg. Its distinctive T-shaped head and powerful teeth set it apart from the rest.
Despite being a carnivorous species, it poses minimal danger to humans, with recorded attacks being extremely rare. The diet of hammerhead sharks primarily consists of smaller fish, squid, and crustaceans, and they do not actively seek out human prey.
Regrettably, the hammerhead shark is critically endangered, as declared by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Over the past 30 years, its population has declined by more than 80%, primarily due to illegal fishing and the trade of their fins.
The capture and exploitation of this species are strictly prohibited, emphasising the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these magnificent creatures from further decline.
