Shark Spotters Scouring The Sea

August 2, 2007

Release from: Richard Youle
Evening Post (UK)

Eagle-eyed marine experts have continued their shark vigil around the waters of Swansea and Gower.It comes after a 20ft-plus basking shark was spotted five miles south of Swansea Bay.

Staff from the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) spent Tuesday trawling the sea off the Gower peninsula looking for basking sharks, gentle giants that can grow up to 35ft and weigh several tonnes.

Shark spotter and MCS Welsh officer Gill Bell has told the Post of the moment she saw a fin break the surface.

It is the first time in at least 20 years a basking shark has been seen this far up the Bristol Channel.

"At the time it was pouring with rain, and I only caught a glimpse," she said.

"I saw its main fin, and judging by the size of that I think it was at least six metres long.

"But I was lucky to see it at all in those conditions.

"There have been a few more sightings elsewhere - so this could be the year to see them."

Ms Bell explained that basking sharks followed plankton blooms, which they fed on by filtering vast quantities of seawater through their huge mouths.

She urged people on boats and beach-goers to report any sightings.

Ms Bell had already seen two basking sharks off the north coast of Cornwall on the day she saw the one off Swansea Bay.

Her colleague Sue Kinsey spent Tuesday scouring the sea on Environment Agency vessel MV Vigilance.

She said: "Unfortunately we didn't see any basking sharks, but we did see a group of at least 30 common dolphins. Some of them were bow-riding the boat. They looked very healthy."

More marine surveys will be conducted, said the MCS.

Further south from Swansea, alleged sightings of a great white shark off Cornwall have kept a newspaper headline feeding frenzy at full tilt.

An expert from the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth has been reported as confirming that a picture apparently taken in the sea off Newquay was "consistent" with a great white.

If you think you have seen a basking shark, please contact the Marine Conservation Society on 01989 566017, or online at www.mcsuk.org