If you live near the Bay of Fundy, you know the ocean brings surprises to the shore. Fifteen year old Finn Holland loves animals. When he heard a shark washed up on the beach near his home in Maces Bay on Saturday evening, he knew he had to help.

Holland and his family drove down to the beach in their small community southwest of Saint John. They found a two metre, 70 kilogram porbeagle shark stranded in the shallow water.

A Quick Rescue

At first glance, the shark appeared lifeless. Holland noticed subtle movements and decided to act. He grabbed the shark by the tail, dragged it into the ocean, and guided it until it swam away.

He admits he hesitated initially due to the massive size of the animal.

“I was stunned, I mean, it was so fascinating,” Holland told CBC News.

His mother, Jill Holland, said the quick action fits her son perfectly. She noted they have lived in Maces Bay for 11 years and never heard of sharks in the area.

A Rare Encounter

Seeing a porbeagle shark in shallow water is highly unusual. Neil Hammerschlag, director of the Shark Research Foundation and president of Atlantic Shark Expeditions, considers the sighting special.

“Encounters, especially in the natural environment, without like actually going out and hooking them or fishing them, are pretty rare,” Hammerschlag said.

Porbeagle sharks keep their body temperature warmer than the surrounding water. This adaptation allows them to thrive in the cooler waters of Atlantic Canada and New England. Hammerschlag notes the shark was in distress, recovering from an interaction with fishing gear or illness, which explains why it ended up in the shallows.

Protecting an Endangered Species

The porbeagle shark population has dropped significantly over the years due to overfishing. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada listed the species as endangered in the Atlantic Ocean in 2004. It now holds protection under the Species at Risk Act.

Hammerschlag praised the bravery required to get the endangered animal back into the water.

For Holland, the reward comes from the act itself. He feels a sense of gratitude from the animal, knowing he did the right thing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of shark washed up in Maces Bay?

A porbeagle shark washed ashore. This species is known for its ability to maintain a body temperature warmer than the ocean water.

Are porbeagle sharks endangered?

Yes. The porbeagle shark was listed as endangered in the Atlantic Ocean in 2004 and is protected under the Species at Risk Act.

Why was the shark in shallow water?

Experts note the shark was in distress. It was sick or recovering from an encounter with fishing gear.

How big was the rescued shark?

The shark measured about two metres long and weighed approximately 70 kilograms.