The 2010 project
Basking shark watches began on the 1st June and ended on the 31st August. Using the sightings data we aim to provide a deeper understanding of endangered basking shark distribution and behaviour in Cornish waters. Over 70 trained volunteers have been involved with the project this summer and have continued the good work carried out by last year’s volunteers.
Our dedicated volunteers took turns on watch from Hella Point near Land's End daily from 5:30 am until 8:30 pm (with a two hour break for lunch). This summer sharks have been recorded displaying behaviours such as figure of eight style swimming and even breaching (leaping out of the water!). You can view the daily sightings by visiting our daily blog.
As well as looking for basking sharks, the team were keeping their eyes peeled for whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea birds, sunfish and leatherback turtles. If you happened to be passing through Porthgwarra this summer you may have seen the volunteers perched on the cliff. You may have even seen basking sharks for yourself?
How to get involved next year
If you are interested in getting involved as a volunteer on the project next summer, please register your interest with one of Cornwall Wildlife Trust's marine team nearer to the time. The team will be recruiting volunteers from April 2011. For more information about this years survey please contact Dr Jane Manning (project co-ordinator) by email or phone 07500 080385.
Watch beautiful basking sharks in action
Project funders
A big thank you goes to British International Helicopters and the BBC Wildlife Fund which have both helped fund the Seaquest Basking Shark Project 2010.
