A new project, Sharks of Kent, is gathering data on sharks found off the Kent coastline. The initiative, led by Kent Wildlife Trust's marine partners Adonis Blue, involves catching sharks to collect information before their release.
Scientists aim to track the sharks' movements and behaviour. The project also trains local anglers and boat skippers to tag sharks, enabling them to contribute to the research.
Project manager Max Renton suggested that Kent could be an important nursery and pupping ground for sharks, and the research aims to investigate this. On one occasion, 31 smooth hound sharks were caught, measured, and weighed, with 11 tagged. If recaptured, these tags can provide vital data on growth and location.
The presence of sharks in Kent's waters, part of the cross-channel Geopark, is considered influential in international policy.