Sharks sighted off RAK's Ghalila beach

Ras Al Khaimah - The RAK fishermen society pointed out that these sharks are of small size

Sighting of a huge number of sharks at different times of the day off Ghalila beach in Ras Al Khaimah has left people surprised. Many are finding their presence in the area quite intriguing, too.  
Muhammad Akram, a Pakistani expat, told Khaleej Times that he was shocked to see a big number of sharks close to the Ghalila beach.
"I saw sharks so close for the first time," he said. "Though they were not big, their big numbers scared me."
"I felt there was something wrong," said Hassan Hakam, an Egyptian resident. "I go to the Ghalila beach very often, and this is for the first time that I have seen so many sharks."
However, the RAK fishermen society pointed out that these sharks are of small size and it was quite normal to sight them at this time of the year, searching for small fishes (as food) close to the seashore.
Humaid Al Zaabi, deputy chairman of the RAK fishermen society, said these small-sized sharks are locally known as 'BuTarifi'.
"They are seen on the beach in big numbers every year, and not a single attack against humans has been reported."
"They come close to shallow waters and under the seabed in search for small fishes which are available in large quantities for reproduction in March and April."
Dr Saif Al Ghais, executive director of the environment protection and development authority in Ras Al Khaimah, said the sharks flock to the beach to find food. "They are seasonally seen more at ebb and tide zones."
These types of sharks do not pose any danger to people, he underlined. "They simply swim away in case they sense any human activity," he said.
"This phenomenon is not limited to Ghalila beach. It has been reported at so many other beaches in the emirate and all over the country."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Ras Al Khaimah