Marine Life & Conservation
Basking Sharks Arrive Back Early To The Hebrides
Following the recent winter storms in the Hebrides, the welcome high pressure over the Easter weekend has revealed more than the Easter bunny. A very early zooplankton bloom has resulted in the return of basking sharks to the waters around the Isle of Coll.
Basking Shark Scotland sighted around 10 individuals during a research trip on Easter sunday; this is among the earliest sightings that have ever been recorded in those waters and indeed across the wider UK. Many areas such as Cornwall have had very poor sightings over the last few years, but usually enjoy the first sightings; however, the early arrival and large numbers of individuals confirms that the Hebrides are still the best in the world for basking shark sightings. It’s possible that these could be the first basking shark sightings in the UK in 2015 (Let us know though if we’ve got that wrong!).
Shane Wasik, owner of Basking Shark Scotland, said: “We were hugely excited about the early arrival; we would normally be expecting them from May onwards, so it’s both intriguing and amazing to have them this early. One possible reason for the early arrival and plankton bloom could be in the frequent high winds and storms this winter which could have unlocked natural upwelling and nutrient availability in the Atlantic, which in turn has provided the perfect conditions for generating shark food.”
To join a Basking Shark Scotland trip, click here.
The Shark Trust is excited to announce that, for two more days only, all donations, large or small, will be doubled in the Big Give Green Match Fund!
Donate to Basking in Nature: Sighting Giants
The Shark Trust is hoping to raise £10k which will be doubled to £20k. This will go towards Basking in Nature: Sighting Giants. And they need YOUR help to reach they’re goal.
The Shark Trust’s citizen science project is to monitor and assess basking sharks through sightings; encouraging data collection, community engagement, and promoting nature accessibility. This initiative aims to enhance health and wellbeing by fostering a deeper connection with British Sharks.
Campaign Aims
- Increase citizen science reporting of Basking Sharks and other shark sightings to help inform shark and ray conservation.
- Provide educational talks about the diverse range of sharks and rays in British waters and accessible identification guides!
- Create engaging and fun information panels on how to ID the amazing sharks and rays we have on our doorstep! These can be used on coastal paths around the Southwest. With activities and information on how you can make a difference for sharks and rays!
- Promote mental wellbeing through increasing time in nature and discovering the wonders beneath the waves!
Donate, and double your impact. Click Here
Marine Life & Conservation
Leading UK-based shark conservation charity, the Shark Trust, is delighted to announce tour operator Diverse Travel as a Corporate Patron
Corporate Patrons provide a valuable boost to the work of The Shark Trust. The Trust team works globally to safeguard the future of sharks, and their close cousins, the skates and rays, engaging with a global network of scientists, policymakers, conservation professionals, businesses and supporters to further shark conservation.
Specialist tour operator Diverse Travel has operated since 2014 and is committed to offering its guests high quality, sustainable scuba diving holidays worldwide. Working together with the Shark Trust will enable both organisations to widen engagement and encourage divers and snorkellers to actively get involved in shark conservation.
“Sharks are truly at the heart of every diver and at Diverse Travel, we absolutely share that passion. There is nothing like seeing a shark in the wild – it’s a moment that stays with you forever!” says Holly Bredin, Sales & Marketing Manager, Diverse Travel.
“We’re delighted to celebrate our 10th year of business by becoming a Corporate Patron of the Shark Trust. This is an exciting partnership for Diverse and our guests. We will be donating on behalf of every person who books a holiday with us to contribute towards their vital shark conservation initiatives around the world. We will also be working together with the Trust to inspire divers, snorkellers and other travellers to take an active role – at home and abroad – in citizen science projects and other activities.”
Paul Cox, CEO of The Shark Trust, said:
“It’s an exciting partnership and we’re thrilled to be working with Diverse Travel to enable more divers and travellers to get involved with sharks and shark conservation. Sharks face considerable conservation challenges but, through collaboration and collective action, we can secure a brighter future for sharks and their ocean home. This new partnership takes us one more valuable step towards that goal.”
For more information about the Shark Trust visit their website here.
For more about Diverse Travel click here.
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