This is the first documented collision between a boat and a basking shark, indicating that such incidents may be more common than previously thought. Further monitoring is needed to quantify the issue and enforce a code of conduct for boats to protect the sharks.
Alexandra McInturff Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a 7-meter long female basking shark (Setohinus Maximus) on April 24 using a device that records movement in three axes: depth, position, and video.
McInturff mentioned that due to the limited availability and duration of sensors for tagging sharks, capturing a collision incident could shed light on its frequency.
The video footage shows the shark feeding at the surface, then abruptly changing direction to collide with the boat. The shark appears to panic and rapidly dives back into the water before coming to a stop at the ocean floor.
A camera attached to a basking shark captures images before, during and after a ship collision
Oregon State University’s Big Fish Lab.
The researchers observed that the tag on the shark came off about seven hours after the impact, leading to changes in behavior. The video footage revealed visible damage on the shark’s skin, but the extent of recovery remains uncertain.
The basking shark species is globally endangered but thrives off the coast of Ireland. To protect them, efforts like the recent designation of Ireland’s first National Marine Park are crucial. McInturff advocates for a mandatory code of conduct for boats interacting with basking sharks to address the issue effectively.
“We’ve seen evidence of boat strikes on sharks before, indicating a potentially widespread problem,” McInturff explained. “Implementing enforceable rules for boat conduct is essential to safeguard these animals.”
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Source: www.newscientist.com
