Cornwall witnesses basking sharks
Posted on July 31st 2009
This year has seen record numbers of the illusive basking shark migrating to the coast of Cornwall as the warmer heat this summer has caused a bumper crop of its favourite dinner; zooplankton
Fishing boats and diving expeditions have aided the Cornwall wildlife trust in recording the numbers as over 900 sightings have been witnessed. 40 volunteers have been taking half hour shifts for the last 10 weeks to record all the sharks, but they are still surprised to see the vast number of animals swimming off the Cornish coast.
The creatures are set to certainly pull in the wildlife tourists and guide boat tours rise in popularity when unusual wildlife surfaces in the area. It will also give an added to boost to the local economy and rise the popularity for fishing-cum-guide boats as the wet summer deters many holiday makers from sight-seeing in the drizzly weather.
The basking sharks are the second biggest fish species growing up to 11 metres long and although they are completely harmless to humans they’re wide open feeding mouth can be quite a traumatic scene for the unprepared swimmer.
Fortunately, diver Dan Burton was in the right time at the right place as he capture some of the best film of the immense creature currently on record whilst swimming from his diving boat.
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