REFLECTIONS ON A RARE BASKING SHARK ENCOUNTER
August 2020
Dr. Simon Berrow narrates his experience with basking sharks in the fall off West Clare. The species is often seen feeding in this area in the spring - but the seasonal timing of this experience was not the only unusual component...
FOUND A TAG?
Since 2008, the IBSP has deployed a number of different tags
and transmitters on basking sharks in Irish waters.
© Irish Basking Shark Project
Occasionally, our tags will float or wash ashore if they are dislodged from the shark. We rely on public reporting of this equipment to contribute to our ongoing research. Tags that are recovered can provide important information about shark location, prior to redeployment on additional individuals. If you think you've found one of the tags pictured below, please either contact us or fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
VISUAL TAGS
Visual tags possess unique color/number combinations that used to identify individuals if they are sighted again at the surface. These allow us to monitor whether the same animals are returning to the area every year, and can also be used to estimate population size.
| 2008 Pale red/pink visual tags
| 2009 Green, yellow and red visual tags
| 2010 Green, yellow, red and white visual tags
| 2011 Green, white and red tags
| 2012 Red and white
TIMED DEPTH
RECORDERS
TDRs are sensors that record the depth of the animal as a function of time. They can be used to study diving behavior in sharks and other marine organisms, such as whales and even seabirds.
2011
Deployments of MK1 (short term deployment tag with mini radio transmitter) and MK2 (long term deployment tag)
SATELLITE TAGS
Satellite tags can provide information on long-term migratory movements and the general location of sharks when they are at the surface. They are attached to the dorsal fin of the shark, and transmit the shark's location to passing satellites when the fin breaks the surface.
© E. Johnston
2012
Deployment of 5x PAT- MK-10-F tags
note: contact information should be supplied on the tag
2013
Deployment of Wildlife Computers Spot Tags
note: contact information should be supplied on the tag