250 Basking Sharks Sighted In 2014 By Basking Shark Scotland
2014 was an interesting year for basking sharks in Scottish waters, with many places round the UK recording their worst sighting numbers for years. However, with 250 individuals sharks being recorded on Basking Shark Scotland’s database, it demonstrates that the Hebrides is still one of the best places in the world for basking sharks.
The 250 shark sightings are a mixture of public submissions and Basking Shark Scotland’s own discoveries. These sightings ranged from Caithness to Dumfries & Galloway; however, the highest concentration of sightings were recorded in the Hebrides. The largest number spotted in one shoal on one day was over 30 individuals and occurred during a large summer plankton bloom. Although public sightings submissions had dropped by a third in 2014, Basking Shark Scotland’s own sightings increased by 23% from the previous year (2013).
Owner Shane Wasik said: “Although 2014 wasn’t a classic year for shark sightings, it just goes to show we still have a world class wildlife event in our own waters. We would encourage the public to get involved with spotting the sharks as the more people that can record them from different areas, the better the data is for the scientists studying their movements.”
During Basking Shark Scotland’s summertime expeditions, their marine biologist staff collect a large amount of data on the sharks, which include what sex they are, individual numbers, length, location, bodily features for future identification and any specific behavior such as breaching. The sharks are the largest in the world to breach clean of the surface and theories to why they do this include being either a mating display or to remove the parasites which attach to their bodies.
Following Basking Shark Scotland’s report in 2013 of the discovery of shark which has been fouled by marine debris, named ‘sore nose’, they found the shark again in 2014. Basking Shark Scotland said they were pleased to report the debris was missing and the the injury caused by the debris had healed. Although great news for the shark’s well being, the shark was seen 5 miles and 10 days from where he was last seen.This can assist in supporting the idea that the sharks are using the same areas every year and that adequate measures are in place to ensure their protection when visiting Scottish waters.
For further information contact:
Basking Shark Scotland
+44 (0)7975 723140
info@baskingsharkscotland.co.uk
www.baskingsharkscotland.co.uk
