The satellite signal-emitting tag, which had been on a porbeagle shark off Cornwall, detached from the animal as planned and washed ashore at Newquay. But before the scientists from the Marine Biological Association in Plymouth could get to it, the device was picked up by someone else.
Over the past couple of days, the researchers have been able to track the tag moving to Wadebridge and back again to Newquay, the finder seemingly having placed the unit, which measures about 16cm in length, in the boot of a car.
'It has stored data that is important to our scientific work on this threatened species,' said Dr David Sims of the MBA, 'so recovery of the tag is a priority.' A ?50 reward has been offered for the tag's return.
Marine Biological Association - 01752 633100.
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