Unusual finds wash up on Merseyside beaches including basking shark and barnacles

Beachgoers have recently discovered several unusual items along the shores of Merseyside. A 15-foot basking shark carcass was found on New Brighton beach on January 5, 2024, surprising local runners. Basking sharks are rare in the area, typically seen in summer. In another incident, a dog walker found dozens of dead smooth-hound sharks on Leasowe Beach in May 2024. Concerns were raised about fishing practices, particularly the use of gillnets, which may be contributing to the deaths of these sea creatures. Additionally, a woman found a peculiar roll of gooseneck barnacles on a Blackpool beach, which are considered a delicacy in some countries. These barnacles can be valuable, with similar finds previously reported to be worth thousands of pounds.