A porbeagle shark was found washed up on a shore near Maces Bay, N.B., prompting fifteen-year-old Finn Holland to take action due to his love for animals. Holland and his family came to the shark’s aid after spotting it on the beach. Despite initial concerns about the shark’s condition, Finn managed to guide it back into the water, where it swam away.
The shark, identified as a porbeagle, measured around two meters in length and weighed approximately 70 kilograms. Finn described the experience as fascinating but initially hesitated to approach the shark due to its size.
Finn’s mother, Jill Holland, praised his quick thinking and proactive approach in helping the shark without hesitation. The family, who had lived in the area for over a decade, had never encountered sharks before, making the sighting a rare occurrence according to shark expert Neil Hammerschlag.
Hammerschlag noted that porbeagle sharks are not commonly found in shallow waters, suggesting that the shark may have been distressed or injured. He explained that the species can regulate their body temperature, allowing them to thrive in cooler waters like those in Atlantic Canada and New England.
The porbeagle shark population has significantly decreased over the years due to overfishing, leading to their endangered status in the Atlantic Ocean since 2004. Finn’s act of rescuing the shark was commended by Hammerschlag, who highlighted the importance of protecting these species.
Finn expressed gratitude for the support he received from his community following the shark rescue, emphasizing the rewarding feeling of helping animals in need.
