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Clare

06th Sep 2021

This scuba diver caught underwater footage of the basking sharks off the coast of Clare

Katy Thornton

If you wanted a closer look at our aquatic visitors, you’ve come to the right place.

Last week the Irish Basking Shark Group (IBGS) caught footage of basking sharks circling the Clare coast. They said that there must have been hundreds of them engaging in courtship behaviour.

This brave scuba diver has caught footage of the sharks as they congregate and it’s just incredible to see.

Conor Meyler, who uploaded these videos to his TikTok, provides up close footage of the sharks as they continue to circle Irish waters. The footage is truly amazing to witness and we can only imagine what it was like to see them so close.

The IBSG have advised that you stay 4m away from the basking sharks as to not spook them. They are not harmful to humans and it is important that any spectators keep their distance and don’t cause the sharks in harm in return. Basking sharks are considered a vulnerable species and therefore must be protected.

Ireland has had a wide variety of visitors in our waters over the past several weeks. Who are we going to catch a glimpse of next?

Header image via Shutterstock

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