Basking Sharks on the East coast

Half-cocked

Hi all,

Myself and a friend spotted a big basking shark (dorsal fin 18 to 24 inches) about 500m off Bray seafront earlier today. We were out fishing in a small boat and I think we disturbed it - the fin popped up in front of the boat and disappeared again within seconds. We waited around but it didn't surface again. There was very little plankton visible in the water so it probably wouldn't have been feeding. I was wondering if anyone else has seen any basking sharks off the East coast this year? I have seen plenty off the South and West but this is the first one I've seen in years off the East coast, especialy this close to shore.

It was definitely a basker - I've seen many over the years and they can't be confused with the resident porpoises and dolphins in the area;)

Rainbowsend

I thought I heard of some off the Dublin coast recently, but nothing
is on the IWDG.ie. you should report it to them anyway.

Galvasean

They show up in Malahide every summer, usually near Lambbay island.

Alun

ISTR there was a report in the free Wicklow Times rag we get pushed through the door about basking sharks being seen off Greystones south beach recently.

Hobo65

A Basking Shark about 4m was spotted at sailing club slip in Wicklow Harbour in last week just prior to Swim Club getting in the water:D

Irishmarinelife

Check out http://baskingshark.ie/ to report a sighting


Irishmarinelife

http://irishmarinelife.wordpress.com/

jamesdiver

also if any sightings in the west, namely nw Mayo, please contact me through jameskeating@galwaydiving.com as we are conducting a survey of baskers in the area.

thanks

james