First basking shark sighting in UK
Thursday 21st April 2011
The first official basking shark sighting for 2011 has been recorded by scuba divers at Roskilly Beach, Newlyn, Cornwall, on Sunday 20 March, according to The Wildlife Trusts.
The Wildlife Trusts received news of the sighting via its basking shark website baskingsharks.wildlifetrusts.org. An online sighting form was submitted after the diver saw the shark 50 metres from the shore and at around eight metres under the surface.
It’s a reminder of the amazing wildlife that is living in our oceans, there for us to enjoy but also to protect
The sighting is earlier than expected, with reports usually starting in May. However, research has shown an observed shift in the distribution of sightings of basking sharks in recent years, as detailed in The Wildlife Trusts’ 2008 report Basking Shark Hotspots in the UK. Rising sea temperatures caused by climate change may be having an effect on the timing and distribution of plankton blooms, which are the sharks’ primary food source. Sunday’s sighting coincides with reports of a 50 mile algae bloom in the English Channel.
Joan Edwards, Head of Living Seas for The Wildlife Trusts, said: “This sighting is significant for a number of reasons. Firstly, it’s a reminder of the amazing wildlife that is living in our oceans, there for us to enjoy but also to protect.
“Collecting data on the movements and distribution of basking sharks will also provide essential understanding on how the marine environment is being affected by climate change. This enables conservationists to better inform decision-makers who are considering conservation action. This includes the development of Marine Protected Areas, which in turn help protect basking sharks and other marine wildlife.
“These divers got a wonderful surprise when they set out on Sunday 20 March. Although early in the season, the calm, mild conditions were ideal for spotting basking sharks and sure enough their explorations were rewarded. It will hopefully be a lasting memory for them, and by sharing this information with The Wildlife Trusts they have helped contribute to our Living Seas vision.”
Story by RSWT
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Image credit: JP Trenque