Basking shark sightings on the rise in Cornwall

July 2011. The number of basking sharks sighted on Cornwall Wildlife Trust's Seaquest Basking Shark Survey, taking place at Hella Point, Porthgwarra, has risen in recent days after a relatively slow start to the basking shark ‘season'.

Basking sharks are typically seen in large numbers in late spring and early summer as they migrate up the Irish Sea. Cornwall Wildlife Trust believe that the relative absence of sharks in May and June may be explained by unsettled weather and sea conditions, which have prevented the sharks' food source ‘zooplankton' from forming in large ‘blooms' at the surface. It is thought that the more settled and sunny conditions in early July may account for the recent rise in sightings.

Basking shark, photo by Colin Speedie - Swiss Shark Foundation

Volunteers needed
Rob Seebold, Volunteer Coordinator of Cornwall Wildlife Trust's Seaquest Basking Shark Project says "The data gathered by our team of committed volunteers helps add to our knowledge of the behaviour patterns of this mysterious animal, and contributes to conservation of this endangered species in our waters. The survey is its third year and we still need committed volunteers until the end of August. So, if you're interested in getting involved in this important project, love the outdoors and aren't afraid of spending long hours in the field then it would be great to hear from you!"

Basking sharks have also been sighted recently off the North Cornish coast and from the Scillonian III. Marine Expert Paul Semmens, who has worked with Cornwall Wildlife Trust for more than 20 years, saw three sharks plus a plethora of marine wildlife on a recent survey trip.

Pauls says "The Scillonian is the perfect ship to encounter good views of cetaceans and something is seen most trips. We have had some great sightings on the Scillonian already this year. We have seen several groups of common dolphins, probably a total of about 50 animals on one particular day. We have also spotted harbour porpoises, a distant Minke whale, Risso's dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, ocean sunfish and 2 Basking sharks."

"Sharks maybe appearing a bit more regularly now, hopefully the bad weather won't put the sharks back into deeper water. Things have been a bit slow this year with the sea temperature lower than normal, but we might see a late summer influx instead this year. With more seabirds being seen feeding things look promising for sightings in the late summer and autumn, a time when we get our largest numbers of animals."

Cornwall Wildlife Trust is the county's leading wildlife conservation charity and works to protect wildlife on land and in our seas. The Trust has 14,000 members and over 85 Business Members, which includes Isles of Scilly Travel.

As well as continuing the long term survey work for the Trust, throughout the summer season Paul will be working with both Cornwall Wildlife Trust and The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust onboard Scillonian III one Saturday every month. Both Trusts are working with Isles of Scilly Travel to offer a special discount on their ever-popular wildlife watching trips.