‘Common’ blue shark washes up on Oregon beach
PORTLAND, Ore. () – One of the most common sharks in the world washed up on a Seaside beach on Tuesday, according to Seaside Aquarium.
The aquarium received a report that a small shark with a long tail washed ashore by Avenue U, noting the shark ended up being a four-foot female blue shark.
"While sad, the shark was in great condition and we were able to recover it," Seaside Aquarium said.
The aquarium explained that it would have been too difficult to determine the shark's cause of death, so they will not be performing a necropsy; however, they plan on dissecting it with a school group in the future to give students "an opportunity to learn about this incredible species up close and in person."
"With fish and sharks, it is harder to tell the cause of death unless it is very obvious," Seaside Aquarium told KOIN 6 News. "When found on the beach they've usually been dead for too long to send any samples in for testing and testing can be expensive." According to the aquarium, blue sharks are named after their coloration and are among the "most common sharks" around the world.
Blue sharks can be found along the coast of every continent except Antarctica – with the ability to group up to 12 feet long, but rarely exceed 10 feet.
