Starry Smoothhound Shark (Mustelus asterias) feeding within the Medmerry site
Environment Agency Andrew Gilham, Blog: The news about the sharks in Sussex caused a flurry of excitement on Twitter. We’re proud of our work to build natural flood defences and protect nature at Medmerry. The footage of the Starry Smoothhound Shark (Mustelus asterias) feeding within the Medmerry site is amazing. They were first spotted whilst our officers were carrying out fish surveys with the Sussex IFCA (Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority) and RSPB. We think the school of 50 sharks have come inshore to feed on the crabs in the shallows. The sharks are the latest in a line of unusual visitors to Medmerry – in 2013 the rare Black Wingled Stilt nested there, the first time this bird has successfully hatched eggs in the UK for 30 years and last year Harbour Seals were seen investigating the breach.