Giant Basking Sharks Spotted Off New hampshire Coast – Are They a Sign of Changing Ocean Conditions?
MANCHESTER, N.H. – A remarkable sighting off the coast of Rye Harbor has captivated locals and marine biologists alike: two massive basking sharks, one estimated to be a staggering 30 feet long, were observed by a first mate, RJ lincoln, during a bachelorette cruise earlier this month.
Lincoln, a veteran of the fishing and boating industry with decades of experience, described the encounter as witnessing the largest shark he’d ever seen. “It was like 30 feet long, at least,” he stated. “We were right on top of it for a while, and it seemed as big, or maybe longer than the 40-foot boat we were on. So, it was really a big shark.” The shark even slapped its tail fin against the boat before submerging, startling those on board.
The sighting occurred shortly after the release of the summer blockbuster “Meg 2: The Trench,” prompting playful jokes amongst the cruise participants about encountering a shark. Though, the reality proved to be far from fictional – these were gentle giants, basking sharks, known for their enormous size and filter-feeding habits.
What are Basking Sharks?
basking sharks are the second-largest living fish species, after the whale shark. Despite their imposing size, they pose no threat to humans, feeding primarily on plankton. Their presence in New Hampshire waters is noteworthy,raising questions about potential shifts in ocean temperatures and plankton distribution.Are More Sharks Heading to New England?
While basking shark sightings aren’t entirely uncommon in the Northwest Atlantic, experts are closely monitoring their movements. Increased water temperatures and changes in prey availability could be contributing factors to their presence further north. This sighting underscores the importance of continued marine research and conservation efforts to understand and protect these grand creatures.
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