SIGHTINGS of sharks off the coast of Dorset seem to be happening more this summer than usual, based on recent reports to Echo.

However, there are already more than 40 species of the marine creatures in UK waters and white sharks could be on the way with perfect temperatures and plenty of prey.

Speaking with the Echo, Ali Hood, Director of Conservation for the Shark Trust, said: “The increase in shark sightings is common in summer months as there’s more people at the coast.”

Absolutely beautiful': Sharks spotted by paddleboarders in sea off Bournemouth

“Twin this with seasonal shark prey chasing shoals of whitebait close to shore, that could bring certain species within sight of beachgoers.”

Marc Kativu-Smith, Dorset Wildlife Trust coastal centres manager, told the Echo that “the public are often surprised to find out that we have sharks in Dorset,” but that “they have always been here and are an important part of our seas.”

He added: “Sadly over 50% of British sharks are threatened or near threatened. As top predators, sharks are important for keeping our seas healthy and in balance.”

Bournemouth Echo: This is the dramatic moment a postman came face-to-face with a huge SHARK while snorkelling off the coast of Cornwall. Picture Martin Yelland/SWNS

Anyone who is concerned about what lurks in the water should not be, says Mr Kativu-Smith because “we certainly pose more of a threat to sharks than they do to us.”

Ms Hood agreed, she said stepping on a weaver fish or a jellyfish “is more likely to be a hazard than a negative interaction with a shark,” but reminded people to keep their distance.

She added: “UK waters are already home to an incredible diversity of shark and ray species including some of the better known larger species such as threshers, porbeagle and blue sharks.

However, it could only be a matter of time before a white shark appears in UK waters with the perfect conditions.

Mr Kativu-Smith added: “The water temperature is already ideal for the white shark, as they like colder water, and there are plenty of seals in the UK, but there has never been a confirmed sighting in our waters.”

For now though the closest sighting one of these predators was 168 miles away in the Bay of Biscay, a gulf stretching from the West of France to the top of Spain.

Mr Kativu-Smith added: “In countries like Australia, America and South Africa where they have more dangerous sharks, surfers regularly share the water without incident.

“There has never been an unprovoked shark attack in the UK that has resulted in serious injury.”