A Field Trip For Researchers To The Home Of The Last Basking Shark Hunters

By: Carline Lynam (Researcher and Science Communicator with IBSG)

When discussing where to host our Ocean Literacy Day to close out the International Conference on Basking Sharks, it was an easy decision to go with Achill. Once the stronghold for the historical basking shark fishery, Achill felt like the right choice not only because it is visually stunning but also for its cultural significance. Basking sharks have been culturally important in Ireland for 100s of years, from fueling the street lamps across the island to more recently becoming one of the poster species for marine conservation in Ireland. 

Achill has a magical feel about it. As us conference organizers arrived onto the island, after a two hour rainy drive  from Galway, we were greeted by the fierceness of the Atlantic. With the winds blowing and waves crashing, our conference attendees huddled into Keel community hall seeking shelter and a cup of tea.

Brian McNeil, the last basking shark fisherman, started the day with a journey to the past. He set the scene by describing how without the basking shark fishery many would have had to emmigrate from Achill. The fishery ran from 1950s - 1980s, the last shark being killed in 1984. It was a whole community affair, the men would head out in the currachs to set the nets, the wives would tend to the cattle and make the sandwiches that the children would run to the men down Keem bay. Brian shared how he now delights in seeing basking sharks returning to the bay, Once hunted, they are now admired as they feed in the bay. 

Brian McNeil, the last basking shark fisherman

“An tsaile san fhuil!” was a phrase introduced by the Irish Ocean Literacy Network in the second talk of the day. It means “salt in the blood” in Irish. This stuck with me throughout the day and many days after. As an island nation we are intrinsically linked to the sea. Whether we are conscious of it or not. Being on Achill it is hard not to feel the deep connection between islander and the sea. As it shapes our landscape it also shapes who we are. After a weekend of incredible scientific talks, this talk was a great way to bring us all back to the “Why?” What does ocean conservation mean to us?

Irish Ocean Literacy Network

Island bus tours hosted jointly by Achill Island Seascapes and Outdoor Achill brought us to the historic heart of the action:Keem bay and Purteen harbour. These former strongholds for the basking shark fishery gone by  were keys to Brian McNeil’s recollections. This was an incredible opportunity to take in the stunning views of the island while giving our guests the chance to see these key areas for themselves. 

Author Gerry Daly

Of course, Ocean Literacy Day wasn't all for the adults. Gerry Daly hosted a read and draw along for all the young budding marine biologists. We had a great turn out to Gerry's event, with some incredible art work. Throughout the day Tom Meskal had his art installation up in Gieltys cafe, alongside a screening of his film “Basking”. We also held screenings of “Secrets of the Basking Shark” by Swimming heads productions.

The Achill Sound

To close off the day we had a very special performance by The Achill Sound, a group including Graham Sweeney, grandson of Joe Sweeney, one of the men who set up the basking shark fishery on Achill. Graham introduced the group by explaining how as a child he was ashamed of his grandad's involvement with the basking shark fishery. He has now grown to embrace that side of his family history, by bringing the experiences of the people of Achill together with music and stunning visuals to form a unique storytelling experience. There was no better or more authentic way to close out the whole weekend than by toe tapping along to The Achill Sound and listening to accounts of life on Achill.