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29/08/2003
Strangford Lough marked as basking shark 'hotspot'
A 15-year survey into activity in and around UK waters by one of the world's largest sharks has revealed that Strangford Lough is a regular visiting place for this underwater giant.
The Marine Conservation Society's (MCS) Basking Shark Watch project highlighted four main areas around the UK where basking sharks, which can reach 11m (34ft) in length, are encountered.
Between 1987 and 2001, MCS received 4,055 reports on sightings of over 16,998 sharks from divers, fishermen, sailors and coastal walkers who recorded the sharks feeding and even jumping clear of the water.
Most sightings over the 15-year period were recorded off the coasts of Cornwall, Devon and the Channel Islands – 11,675 sharks in all, followed by the Isle of Man (2,977), Scotland (1,426), and Northern Ireland (61).
Commenting on the survey, Sam Fanshawe, MCS Director of Conservation, said: “Basking Shark Watch has significantly increased our limited knowledge of these magnificent animals while they are in UK waters.
"The distribution of sightings received by MCS from the public provides a broad picture of where these sharks are and indicates several areas where large numbers of basking sharks congregate. These areas may provide key habitat for this species and could be considered for protection”.
Single sharks between 2m and 6m long were most often reported during the period, but huge shoals with up to 500 sharks, including individuals over 8m long, have been reported off the south west of England.
The sharks are generally first seen each year from early April off South West England, where numbers peak in June. Sightings then peak around the Isle of Man in July and off the west coast of Scotland in August, suggesting a possible migration of sharks from south to north during the summer. Very few sharks are seen between the months of October and March, which scientists had previously linked with an offshore migration to deeper waters.
The basking shark, Cetorinus Maximus, used to be fished for its liver which has a high content of Vitamin A.
A passive filter feeder the shark lives off plankton and is generally considered harmless to humans.
(MB)
The Marine Conservation Society's (MCS) Basking Shark Watch project highlighted four main areas around the UK where basking sharks, which can reach 11m (34ft) in length, are encountered.
Between 1987 and 2001, MCS received 4,055 reports on sightings of over 16,998 sharks from divers, fishermen, sailors and coastal walkers who recorded the sharks feeding and even jumping clear of the water.
Most sightings over the 15-year period were recorded off the coasts of Cornwall, Devon and the Channel Islands – 11,675 sharks in all, followed by the Isle of Man (2,977), Scotland (1,426), and Northern Ireland (61).
Commenting on the survey, Sam Fanshawe, MCS Director of Conservation, said: “Basking Shark Watch has significantly increased our limited knowledge of these magnificent animals while they are in UK waters.
"The distribution of sightings received by MCS from the public provides a broad picture of where these sharks are and indicates several areas where large numbers of basking sharks congregate. These areas may provide key habitat for this species and could be considered for protection”.
Single sharks between 2m and 6m long were most often reported during the period, but huge shoals with up to 500 sharks, including individuals over 8m long, have been reported off the south west of England.
The sharks are generally first seen each year from early April off South West England, where numbers peak in June. Sightings then peak around the Isle of Man in July and off the west coast of Scotland in August, suggesting a possible migration of sharks from south to north during the summer. Very few sharks are seen between the months of October and March, which scientists had previously linked with an offshore migration to deeper waters.
The basking shark, Cetorinus Maximus, used to be fished for its liver which has a high content of Vitamin A.
A passive filter feeder the shark lives off plankton and is generally considered harmless to humans.
(MB)
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