GENTLE GIANTS OF THE SEA – THE BASKING SHARK

The Basking Shark (Cetorhinus maximus) is the second largest fish in the sea reaching lengths of up to 12m.  Basking Sharks feed on microscopic plankton which they filter through their enormous gills, devouring the volume of an Olympic siexed swimming pool in just one hour!  Historically Basking Sharks have been the target of fisheries, but now they are protected in UK waters.  So, if you are heading down to the coast this summer, make sure you keep an eye out for this magnificent visitor to our shores. 

For more information on the Basking Shark visit www.sharktrust.org ...

What is Seasearch?

Seasearch is a national project for volunteer  sports divers who have an interest in what

they're seeing under water, want to learn  more and want to help protect the marine

environment. 

The main aim is to map out the various types of sea bed found in the near-shore zone around the whole of the British Isles. In addition we are recording what lives in each area, establishing the richest sites for marine life, the sites where there are problems and the sites which need protection.

News:

The Argyll & Bute Local Biodiversity Partnership’s Officer,  Marina Curran-Colthart , is working with Seasearch’s Owen Pasiley on a local project to support training events. This work is being funded through the European and partner funded Community Action for Biodiversity Phase II.

To find out about Seasearch Argyll's Revised Proposal .....

Loch Shira Summary Report ....

Kilbrannan Sound Summary Report July 2005 ...