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...
© Alexandra McInturf
SHARKS | Iascagain
SUPPORT:
Scoil Iosagain, Buncrana
TEACHER: PAURIC McKINNY
DESCRIPTION
Iascagain was a very small (2-3m) shark tagged 1 mile north of Malin Tower. It was initially spotted feeding in moderate sea conditions along the edge of a tidal line running through the Garvan Isles. No distinctive fin or body features were observed, and sex was not determined. However, its size indicates that this shark was a juvenile. It dove immediately after tag deployment and did not re-surface within local area.
© E. Johnston 2012
THE NAME
‘Iascagáin’, a Gaelic word, is a play on the school's name, with ‘Iosa’ (or "Jesus") transformed into ‘Iasc’ (or "Fish"). The Gaelic language has shown a strong revival in the town of Buncrana ("Foot of the Crana River") and the rest of the Inishowen peninsula in recent years. This name thus reminds us of Buncrana’s substantial fishing heritage.