10:20am Tuesday 12th May 2009By Stephen Ivall
(Photo: Colin Speedie)
Giant sharks are back off the Cornish coast. The first officially recorded basking shark for 2009 has been spotted by marine enthusiasts at Sennen Cove.
“This is certainly a promising start to the year and a good forecast for potential spotting of this gentle giant in the months to come, good news for the Seaquest Basking Shark Project run by Cornwall Wildlife Trust,” said a trust official.
Last year basking sharks were often seen off the south Cornish coast particuarly in the Falmouth and Lizard areas.
Thanks to funding from British International Helicopters, the Trust is able to build on the success of last year’s Seaquest Basking Shark Project and again conduct surveys to monitor basking sharks.
The project aims to provide a deeper understanding of basking shark distribution and behaviour and encourage people to report live and dead basking sharks.
During 2008, 86 volunteers were involved in 71 days of surveys, and in that time basking sharks, bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, harbour porpoises and seals were seen, with the highlight being the sighting of a fin whale!
The Trust is now looking for volunteers to assist with the 2009 surveys. Volunteers will be surveying for basking sharks and other marine wildlife from June 1, dawn till dusk.
Tom Hardy, marine conservation officer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust said: “If you are fascinated by the sea and the creatures that live there volunteering for this project could be for you. We are looking for committed volunteers with plenty of time who live locally to join the project; anyone over 16 years old can get involved.”
Basking sharks are the second biggest fish in the world, growing up to ten metres in length and weighing up to seven tonnes. They are often seen cruising the waters of our Cornish coasts, specifically in the spring and summer months.
If you spot a basking shark, get in touch with the Packet. If you have a picture of those off the Cornish coast then send them to editorial@packetseries.co.uk
http://www.falmouthpacket.co.uk/news/fpfalmouth/4360982.Basking_sharks_return_to_Cornwall/
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