CONSERVATION ISSUES - AUGUST 2005

Scientists from the Australian Institute of Marine Science tagged six Whale Sharks early in May 2005 and have been tracking their movement over the internet. 2 of them remained in the Ningaloo Reef area, where they were tagged, for a couple of months before moving away but the others left the area quickly and may be heading into danger for Whale Shark flesh is the world’s most expensive shark product, because people in places like Taiwan have a particular liking for it. A couple that has headed off into the Indian Ocean may be safe but those heading into Indonesian waters may be in danger. The Satellite tags are yielding new information about the sharks behaviour and not only do they give the sharks position but also gives the water temperature and the depth they dive to. These sharks are champion divers for some of them are going down more than a kilometre. The scientists have no idea what they could be doing at that depth.  

Cornwall Wildlife Trust divers carrying out eel grass surveys off Roskilly on 21st July discovered a Basking Shark entangled in a gill net, stationary on the sea bed at about 30ft. At first it was thought to be dead, but one diver noticed movement in its eyes so they quickly set about setting it free. When the net was removed it was lying on it’s back and not moving, but once the divers turned it the right way up it soon started to move and they were pleased to see it swim off.  Basking Shark photo by Dan Burton.

Bottlenose Dolphins were sighted 12 times during July, all along the north coast between Zennor and Newquay, except one report of 20 off Downderry on the 23rd. 6 reports of unidentified dolphins, probably also Bottlenose, were 2 sightings off Land’s End, 2 on the south coast and 2 on the north. Common Dolphins were seen 5 times, maximum number in a pod was 30. There were 7 reports of Harbour Porpoises with largest pod of 6 off Pendeen. Ocean Sunfish were seen all around the coast from Tintagel on the north coast to Whitsand Bay on the south, the maximum number being 8 off Rame Head on the 6th. The largest number of reports were for Basking Sharks, all but 2 of the 35 sightings were on the north coast. There were 5 reports of Grey Seals and an unusual sighting of a Common Seal among the Greys at Godrevy on the 9th. A Grey Seal at Pentargon was wearing a numbered yellow hat, the sanctuary told me it ‘s name is “RED”. A Thresher Shark was seen at Penberth, a Blue Shark at St. Michaels Mount and 2 reports of an unidentified shark at Sennen and Perranporth was thought to be a Mako. A Triggerfish was seen by divers near the Sisters Rocks, Tintagel area. The large blue jellyfish Cyanea lamarckii was seen in three areas and 15 Compass Jellyfish were seen off Maenporth  Ten Sea Hares were found among the seaweed on the beach at Durgan during a beach survey.  Only one cetacean carcass, a Harbour Porpoise, was found on Cornish beaches during July. Also stranded were one Basking Shark, 5 Grey Seals, including a pup, and 2 gannets. 

Conservation Officer Raymond Dennis

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