Shark population numbers aren’t precisely known, but there are a few species that are considered the commonest sharks in UK waters.
Some species you may be able to spot in shallow waters near the shore, while others spend time further out at sea.
The commonest sharks in the UK
Small spotted catshark
Small-spotted catsharks are found near shores around the UK, often found in shallow waters. They feed on shellfish and small fish. Confusingly, the small-spotted catshark used to be called the lesser-spotted dogfish, so you may know it by that name.
Blue shark
Blue sharks are particularly prevalent in UK waters during the summer months, when they follow the Gulf Stream from the Caribbean. They are sleek, large sharks, in a metallic blue colour that helps them camouflage in the ocean. Blue sharks are often spotted around the South West coast of the UK, usually more than 10 miles offshore.
Spiny dogfish
The population of spiny dogfish has been declining over recent years due to overfishing. Also known as spur dogs, these bottom-dwelling sharks have slender bodies with light, white spots. They tend to be found in shallow coastal waters, living on a diet of fish, squid, jellyfish and crustaceans. They are some of the longer-living sharks, living around 30 to 40 years, but some have been known to live much longer.
More UK shark stories