A survey of basking sharks has just begun in Cornwall (just saw it on the BBC news). I have huge amount of respect for the people taking part, as they sit looking out to see for up to 15 hours a day for a few weeks just hoping for a glimpse of a shark fin. That is dedication.
They also showed a video of a basking shark, I didn't realise quite how big they are.
Basking sharks are amazing and I'd love to be sitting by the coast looking for them. Unfortunately I have to be in my central London office in August except for my stints volunteering at the Tate Modern RSPB peregrine Aren't birds brilliant event. However, I think I'll keep half an eye on the Thames just in case!
I would love to see one too, although not up close, they could "accidentally" swallow me whole!
I foundit incredible that they are actually bigger than great whites. I was completely ignorant to how amazing these animals are.
I've seen one when taking the boat to the Scilly Isles - the "driver" pointed it out to everyone.
There's a brilliant photo in todays Telegraph of a Basking Shark swimming alongside beachgoers at Porthcurno in Cornwall.
This new project is being run by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust with SeaWatch and are appealing for volunteers to man spotting points at Gwennap Head and Carn Gloose near Cape Cornwall (used to go there for my hols
). Last year SeaWatch surveys recorded 656 basking sharks from Gwennap Head and six species of whale, dolphin and porpoise!!!!!
Wow, 656 is a lot! I think it would be very relaxing spending a few days sitting on the beach looking for basking sharks, sounds like fun
Hi, just seen this thread and thought Id let you all know. I live in cornwall and part of the seawatch project at Gwennap Head and I spend a lot of time on watch at the Falmouth beachs. There have been several baskers seen this year but not in the numbers they where last year. We have seen several pods of dolphins, mainly commons, striped and Risso'. Also a few porpoises and several sunfish. We think one of the reasons for the lack of baskers is the weather. They are generally seen on calm days, with SUN! and the water temprature has to be warmish. Which I can tell you from personnal experience the other day...its cold
Saban