The recent incident involving a basking shark being struck by a vessel in Irish waters has shed light on the potential dangers that marine animals face from boat collisions. The incident, captured on a tracking device attached to the shark, provides valuable insights into the impact of such collisions on these endangered creatures.
Basking sharks, like other filter feeders such as whale sharks and baleen whales, spend much of their time near the ocean’s surface, where they sift plankton from the water. This feeding behavior makes them particularly vulnerable to boat strikes, as they are often in close proximity to the surface where vessels operate.
The basking shark that was struck by a vessel in Irish waters showed immediate signs of distress, fleeing to the ocean floor after the collision. The impact left visible damage on her skin, and she ceased feeding for the remainder of the footage captured. This highlights how even non-lethal collisions can have detrimental effects on the behavior and well-being of these animals.
Researchers emphasize that boat strikes and their subsequent effects on marine animals may be more common than previously thought. The lack of visible evidence of collisions once the skin heals could lead to underestimates of the prevalence of such incidents. This calls for greater awareness and education on how to mitigate the risk of boat strikes for marine animals like basking sharks.
Basking sharks are already endangered due to historical overfishing and culling, making them particularly susceptible to threats like boat strikes. The establishment of a National Marine Park in Ireland, where the incident occurred, is a step in the right direction towards protecting these animals. The researchers recommend the creation of more protected areas throughout the range of basking sharks to provide them with safe spaces to feed and thrive.
The recent boat strike incident involving a basking shark in Irish waters serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that marine animals face from human activities. It highlights the need for continued research, conservation efforts, and education to mitigate the impact of boat strikes on vulnerable species like the basking shark. More work needs to be done to assess the short- and long-term effects of such collisions on the recovery of these animals.
Leave a Reply