Shark Being Struck by Boat Caught on Camera for First Time
A camera attached to a basking shark has captured the first-ever recorded instance of the species being hit by a boat.
The 23-foot (seven-meter) female basking shark was struck off the coast of Ireland on April 24. Researchers from Oregon State University attached the tag that only stays on for 12 hours so they were either lucky to capture the footage or incidents are more common than previously thought.
In the footage, the shark can be seen feeding on the surface before making sudden evasive movements that doesn’t prevent it from getting hit by the boat. The researchers believe the animal then panics and rapidly dives down and out to sea, stopping only when it reaches the seabed.
As well as recording video, the tag measures axes, depth, and position. The researchers say the shark did not resume normal behavior seven hours after the collision. Video pictures show visible damage to the shark’s skin but couldn’t see bleeding or an open wound. It is not known if the shark recovered.
Boats hitting whales is well-documented with PetaPixel previously reporting on harrowing instances recorded by drone or an underwater photographer.
Larger, slow-moving shark species such as the basking shark or whale shark are particularly vulnerable to boat strikes. These species often swim near the surface, making them more susceptible to collisions with vessels.
New Scientist notes that basking sharks are an endangered species but gather in large numbers off the coast of Ireland. The Emerald Isle recently designated 28,000 hectares of land and sea as the nation’s first national marine park where there are now voluntary speed limits.
However, Alexandra McInturf, who conducted the research along with her colleagues, tells New Scientist that she would like to see those speed limits become mandatory.
“We certainly see evidence of boat strikes on the sharks. We’ve seen a shark come back year after year that has these massive prop marks in its fin,” says McInturf.
“This was the first glimpse into the fact that this actually could be a lot more prevalent than we thought.
“I don’t want to villainise the fishing boats. I think it’s an honest mistake. However, I do think there needs to be legally enforceable codes of conduct around these animals.”
Image credits: Chris Gotschalk
