Great white sharks are 'more than likely' here

PRESENCE OF MARINE LIFE MAKES IT LIKELY SAYS FISHERMAN

- JOEL COOPER and JACK COLWILL

A DEVON fisherman says it is “more than likely” that great white sharks are swimming in the waters surrounding the West Country. Ashley Lane, who runs pleasure cruises and fishing trips, says other fishermen have spotted the infamous type of shark in the waters around the county.

In 2019, it was revealed that the warmer sea temperatures around the South West’s coasts could soon be attracting new species - including hammerhead and great white sharks - from the Mediterranean and African waters.

Ashley said that he believes they are likely to be in the region’s waters now, and that there has already been evidence of other less common marine life off the coasts of the area.

He said: “There are more than likely Great Whites out there, mainly off the Cornish coast, but I’ve heard nothing so far this year. We usually hear more rumours.

“We’ve seen a few pods of common dolphins with juveniles in the bay and there are definitely tuna swimming around too.”

In 2018 Ashley said he was “sure” that great whites were in the waters around the region, and that it is something that would be a double - edged sword.

He said: “I think species like this swimming off the Devon coast would be a great thing and definitely good for my trade - people would love to see that sort of thing.

“However, you are then bating wildlife which interferes with the ecosystem - they are not pets and shouldn’t be treated as such.”