A group of individuals returning from a deep-sea fishing excursion off the North Shore of P.E.I. recently encountered one of the world’s second-largest fish species. Don Gauthier and his family observed a basking shark approximately 1.5 kilometers offshore near New London Bay and French River around 8:30 p.m. last Thursday.
While using binoculars, Gauthier’s partner noticed a group of birds circling in a specific area and spotted a fin. Initially mistaken for small whales by the boat’s captain, Gauthier used his phone to zoom in and identified the creature as a shark. As they cut the boat’s engines, the shark approached them, moving in a side-to-side pattern.
Describing the encounter as entertaining, Gauthier mentioned how the shark opened its mouth, possibly feeding, and circled the boat. The basking shark, estimated to be between 20 and 30 feet long by Gauthier, is considered a normal-sized specimen by marine conservation and biology professor Boris Worm from Dalhousie University. Worm explained that despite reaching lengths of up to 12 meters, basking sharks pose no threat to humans.
Worm highlighted the mystery surrounding basking sharks, emphasizing the challenges in tracking their behavior and population trends. He suggested that shifting climate conditions could be driving these creatures towards the North Shore in pursuit of their prey. Reporting sightings of basking sharks is crucial for better understanding their distribution patterns.
Reflecting on the encounter, Gauthier expressed a mix of concern and amazement, emphasizing the need for responsible environmental stewardship to protect these majestic creatures. Witnessing the basking shark up close provided him with a newfound appreciation for the ocean’s vastness and the importance of preserving marine ecosystems.
