Sharks swim closer to Norwegian beaches than many realise

Sharks are swimming closer to Norwegian beaches this summer than many people may assume, according to marine biologist and shark expert Fredrik Myhre of WWF.

Speaking to Dagbladet, Myhre confirmed that at least nine shark species are present in Norwegian waters year-round, including the basking shark—the world’s second-largest shark. Seasonal visitors also arrive between summer and winter.

Among the most commonly encountered species are spiny dogfish and small-spotted catsharks, often seen by anglers and divers. Black dogfish and spurdog may also be spotted, particularly at night in coastal fjords. Even beachgoers may unknowingly share the water with sharks, such as the small-spotted catshark, which has been observed resting beneath the bathing pier at Sjøstrand beach in Asker.

Myhre stressed that the real concern should not be fear of attacks but the threat to shark populations. He noted that human activity, including overfishing, has pushed a third of known shark species toward extinction. Healthy shark populations are critical to ocean health—and, by extension, human survival.

“We should all be seriously concerned about sharks—not because we fear being attacked, but because we fear losing these incredibly important creatures,” Myhre said.