Scientists to research possible presence of great white sharks in Irish waters
Picture: Ocearch/ The Chris A Ocean Ross Returns Shark White To
A group of scientists will undertake research into the presence of great white sharks in Ireland in the hopes of documenting the first records of the species in our waters.
Irish shark scientists are hosting OCEARCH, a US-based great white shark research non-profit, this month to determine whether the species can be found here.
Ireland is a globally recognised hotspot for a variety of shark species with approximately 40 shark species inhabiting Irish waters including basking shark, porbeagle, and tope shark. Up until now, any supposed sightings of great white sharks in Ireland or the UK have been anecdotal.
The species were historically found in the Mediterranean before overfishing caused declines in their numbers. There have been confirmed records of great whites as far north as the Bay of Biscay and recently, there was a report of a sighting off the Galway coast that was captured on video. However, experts now believe this video was not taken in Irish waters.
Dr Nick Payne, Assistant Professor in Trinity College Dublin’s School of Natural Sciences, is leading the Irish expedition and says it is likely that great whites are in Irish waters.
“Those of us that study great whites in other parts of the world have had our eyes on Ireland as a likely location that the species may occasionally visit. The temperature and food options for them are ideal, so we think it’s just a matter of time before we find one here,” he explains.
“It’s exciting to have some of the world’s best great white researchers visiting Ireland to search for these amazing animals, and it’s also a brilliant opportunity to highlight all the other incredible sharks we have in our waters, as well as some of the threats they face”.
The Irish team involves researchers from Trinity, University College Dublin, University College Cork, Munster Technological University, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, Marine Institute and Fair Seas.
While completing the research, the team of scientists will also look at other shark and ray species of conservation concern.
Dr Harley Newton, OCEARCH Chief Scientist and Veterinarian notes the importance of healthy shark populations.
“Sharks are keystone species in marine ecosystems. As top predators in the food web they regulate prey populations and through that shape the diversity, abundance, and distribution of other species," she says.
"This abundance and diversity is key to the health of marine habitats as well as human livelihoods. This expedition is an exciting opportunity to contribute knowledge on Ireland’s shark populations and why we need them.”