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‘First-ever video’ captured of shark being struck by a passing boat by scientists
Marine researchers in Newport, Oregon, have captured the world’s first example of a shark being run over by a boat.
As much as you think your dog is the best thing since sliced bread, there is a world of interesting creatures beyond your front door. From the horrific truth about dolphins to the world’s first example of homosexual whales, we are constantly reminded of why there is no beating Mother Nature.
The shark was struck by a boat in the world’s first captured footage
Shark researcher Taylor Chapple, of Oregon State Universitys Hatfield Marine Science Center, was working in Ireland when he tagged a 7-metre female basking shark with a Fitbit-like device. The piece of technology was also equipped with a camera to capture the shark’s daily activities.
Unfortunately, disaster struck a few hours later when the camera captured a boat running over the basking shark.
This is the first-ever direct observation of a ship strike on any marine megafauna that were aware of, Taylor said. The shark was struck while feeding on the surface of the water and it immediately swam to the seafloor into deeper, offshore waters, a stark contrast to its behavior prior to the strike.
Our findings demonstrate the risk and impact of vessel strikes and the need for measures to reduce this risk,” he added.
Basking sharks are the second-largest known fish behind whale sharks, coming in at an average of 8 meters long. Though colossal in size, the beasts are relatively docile and tourists are known to swim with them across the globe.
Ireland is one of the only known locations worldwide where basking sharks continue to congregate each year to feed and potentially mate.
What happened to the shark?
Before the hit-and-run, the basking shark was recorded feeding on the surface of the water for a few hours. Despite an aggressive evasive movement to avoid the vehicle, the shark was cut across its back, just behind its dorsal fin.
After steadying itself in the water, the basking shark fled deeper down with visible abrasions on its back and smudges of red paint. It didn’t appear to be seriously injured, though experts are concerned about short and long-term consequences.
The fact that a shark we fitted our Fitbit to was struck in this area within a few hours underlines just how vulnerable these animals are to boats and highlights the need for greater education in how to mitigate against such strikes, said co-author Nicholas Payne, an assistant professor at Trinity College Dublins School of Natural Sciences. Basking sharks filter feed at the surface, like some whales, and this behavior makes them similarly susceptible to strikes.
Scientists are now hoping that their study will be used to better protect these majestic creatures.
