Researchers based in Co Kerry have detailed how they captured data — for the first time ever — of a basking shark’s response to a boat strike.
As RTÉ News reports, in April the team of scientists from Ireland and Oregon State University in the US attached what they called a “shark fitbit” to a seven-metre female basking shark off the coast of Kerry.
Just hours later, the marine wildlife giant was hit by a boat in an incident that made for “grim viewing”, according to Nick Payne, Assistant Professor in Trinity College Dublin’s School of Science.
Data from the device showed that the enormous shark immediately swam to the seafloor, moved to far deeper, offshore waters and significantly reduced her activity levels.
Several hours later the device released from the shark, and the fate of the animal is unfortunately unknown.
The incident is detailed in a paper published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science, which also outlines the need for a legally binding code of boating conduct, similar to one devised by the Irish Basking Shark Group.
“The fact a shark we fitted our ‘fitbit’ to was struck in this area within a few hours underlines just how vulnerable they are to boats and highlights the need for greater education in how to mitigate against such strikes,” Payne says.
