The Hebrides is still the best place in the world for sighting basking sharks
Basking Shark Scotland (BSS), based in Oban recorded 250 individual basking shark sightings last year, despite many places in the UK recording their lowest numbers in many years. The sightings ranged from Caithness to Dumfries & Galloway, but the highest concentration of sightings were recorded in the Hebrides.
BSS says this demonstrates that the Hebrides is still the best place in the world for sighting basking sharks.
The company uses tourism to assist with conducting citizen science on the basking shark population, and works alongside university researchers and provide data to them along with their public submissions.
The BSS sightings are a mixture of public submissions and their own sightings. The largest number spotted in one shoal on one day was over 30 individuals and occurred during a large summer plankton bloom. Although public sightings submissions had dropped by a third in 2014, BSS sightingsincreased by 23% compared to 2013
BSS encourage the public to get involved with spotting the sharks as the more people that can record them from different areas, the better the data is for the scientists studying their movements. During their expeditions, their marine biologist staff collect a large amount of data on the sharks including gender, length, location, bodily features for future identification and any specific behaviour such as breaching.
The basking shark is the second-largest living fish, after the whale shark, and one of three plankton-eating sharks, the others being the whale shark and megamouth shark.
Basking Shark Scotland encourages the public to submit their own sightings at http://baskingsharkscotland.co.uk/scottish-basking-shark-sightings/
We had an amazing week on the Elizabeth G following the sun. Thanks to our skilled skipper Chris who would change plans and re-route us at a moments notice to ensure that we got the best out of our time on board and ashore. Lauren our guide was continually on hand spotting wildlife, educating us and instructing the Skipper to turn the boat on a sixpence, if required, to ensure everyone had the best view. We were rewarded with white tailed sea eagles, porpoise, common dolphin and numerous sea birds including puffin. Whilst ashore we saw otters, a heronry and red deer parading on the peaks. Craig our amusing steward demonstrated his artistry each evening with the menu board and serviette folding. He looked after our every need, wearing many different hats and jackets throughout the day to ensure the Elizabeth G was safe, clean and comfortable for guests. Our Chef Sally was awesome. A master with flavours, menus and working in a very confined space. 3 course breakfasts to set us up for the day, delicious and varied lunches, baked items for our return in the afternoon and amazing 4 course evening meals. How she managed to produce such brilliant food from a phone box is a mystery. Our crew were friendly, professional and skilled. There was a great atmosphere on board amongst crew and fellow passengers. We felt safe and relaxed as the crew worked to ensure that we each had a great holiday experience.
Sandy & Jane: 12 April 2025Idyllic Islands: Mull, Iona, Staffa & the Treshnish Isles