*PLEASE NOTE* - we are temporarily closed from 3/11/24 - 26/12/24
Category: Conservation
Discover the Wonders Beneath the Surface
At Oceanworld Aquarium in Dingle, we’re lucky to be surrounded by the rich and diverse waters of Ireland, home to over 40 species of sharks. These incredible creatures are vital to the health of our oceans; moreover, we’re passionate about sharing their stories. From the gentle basking shark to the elusive angel shark, each species has something unique to teach us about the ocean’s complex ecosystems. Discover some of the incredible species of sharks in Irish waters with us.
Sharks have roamed the oceans for over 400 million years, predating the dinosaurs. As apex predators, they play a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. They regulate fish populations and ensure the health of coral reefs and seabeds. In Ireland, sharks have a special connection to coastal communities, which have relied on the ocean for generations. However, many species face growing threats, and their conservation has never been more critical.
Angel Shark (Squatina squatina): The Hidden Hunter
We are most excited to highlight the angel shark, one of Europe’s most endangered sharks. Once common in Irish waters, its population has dropped by over 90% since the 1960s due to habitat destruction, overfishing, and accidental capture. This unique shark, often mistaken for a ray, lies hidden in sandy seabeds, perfectly camouflaged, waiting to ambush prey.
- Size: Up to 2.4 metres (8 feet).
- Habitat: Sandy or muddy seabeds, such as those in Tralee Bay, one of its last strongholds.
- Diet: Small fish, crustaceans, and molluscs.
- Threats: Habitat destruction, bycatch in fishing gear, and a lack of awareness about its plight.
Recent efforts by the Marine Institute and local fishers have advanced our understanding of the angel shark. For example, Tralee Bay, located near Dingle, has proven to be a critical habitat and possible nursery ground for this species. Ongoing tagging projects are collecting invaluable data to protect these rare sharks.
Did You Know?
- Angel sharks can strike their prey in just 1/10th of a second.
- Their flat, ray-like bodies make them masters of camouflage.
- They are among the most endangered sharks in Europe.
Other Sharks in Irish Waters
In addition to the angel shark, Irish waters are home to a wide variety of shark species, ranging from the massive basking shark to rare deep-sea species, like the Greenland shark. Here are twelve fascinating sharks you might not know inhabit Irish waters:
Large Sharks of Ireland
- Basking Shark (Cetorhinus maximus)
- Size: Up to 12 metres (39 feet).
- Conservation Status: Vulnerable, protected in Irish waters under the Wildlife Act since 1999.
- Fun Fact: The second-largest fish in the world, basking sharks feed on plankton and may be seen near the surface during summer months along Ireland’s west coast.
- Shortfin Mako Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus)
- Size: Up to 4 metres (13 feet).
- Conservation Status: Endangered.
- Fun Fact: The fastest shark in the world, capable of speeds up to 70 km/h (43 mph).
- Greenland Shark (Somniosus microcephalus)
- Size: Up to 7 metres (23 feet).
- Habitat: Deep, cold waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic, often over 1,200 metres (3,937 feet) below the surface.
- Diet: Scavengers that feed on fish, squid, and even carrion such as whale carcasses.
- Threats: Bycatch in deep-water fisheries, habitat changes due to climate change, and slow reproductive rates.
- Greenland sharks grow at an estimated rate of just 1 cm per year, contributing to their long lifespan.
- They are often blind due to parasites called copepods that attach to their eyes, but this doesn’t hinder their ability to hunt and scavenge in the dark depths.
- These sharks are known to travel vast distances and have been found as far south as Ireland’s deep-sea waters.
The Greenland shark is one of the most fascinating and mysterious sharks in Irish and Arctic waters. Known for their incredible lifespan, these deep-sea dwellers are thought to live for over 400 years, making them one of the longest-living vertebrates on Earth. Despite their age and size, much about their behaviour remains a mystery, adding to their allure as one of the ocean’s great enigmas.
Did You Know?
- Thresher Shark (Alopias vulpinus)
- Size: Up to 6 metres (20 feet), with half of that length being its long tail.
- Conservation Status: Vulnerable.
- Fun Fact: Thresher sharks whip their tails to stun prey, making them unique hunters.
Smaller or Rare Sharks
- Small-Spotted Catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula)
- Size: Up to 1 metre (3.3 feet).
- Conservation Status: Least Concern.
- Fun Fact: Ireland’s most common shark, small-spotted catsharks lay egg cases known as “mermaid’s purses.”
- Greater-Spotted Dogfish (Nursehound) (Scyliorhinus stellaris)
- Size: Up to 1.6 metres (5.2 feet).
- Conservation Status: Near Threatened.
- Fun Fact: Nursehounds, also called bullhuss, have beautiful spotted patterns and prefer rocky habitats.
- Velvet Belly Lanternshark (Etmopterus spinax)
- Size: Up to 60 cm (2 feet).
- Conservation Status: Least Concern.
- Fun Fact: This deep-sea shark glows in the dark using bioluminescence to confuse predators and attract prey.
Exploring Sharks at Oceanworld Aquarium
At Oceanworld Aquarium, visitors can experience the magic of sharks like never before. You can discover full-size sand tiger sharks at the Shark Tank, along with native species in many of our exhibits, such as the small-spotted catshark and greater-spotted dogfish, in our touch tank, where you’ll feel their unique rough skin. Meanwhile, our ocean tunnel provides a spectacular view of these sharks swimming gracefully alongside other marine creatures. In addition, our shark nursery offers a rare glimpse into the early stages of a shark’s life, showcasing baby catsharks and their fascinating egg cases.
How You Can Help Protect Sharks
Sharks face increasing threats from habitat destruction, bycatch, and climate change. Fortunately, there are ways you can help:
- Choose sustainable seafood to reduce overfishing.
- Support marine conservation projects that focus on protecting shark habitats.
- Spread awareness about the importance of sharks in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems.
By learning more and supporting conservation, you can make a difference for sharks and the oceans they inhabit. Discover more about how you can help native Irish sharks and other elasmobranchs with the Irish Elasmobranch Group.
Toby has officially left the country and is headed to warmer waters for Christmas This August a Loggerhead turtle washed up on Kilcummin Strand in Brandon Bay. The young turtle, named Toby, was found by local Eithne Griffin who contacted Oceanworld. Since being at the Aquarium, Toby has gained twice its original weight and has been fully nursed back to health by our dedicated team. With assistance from Mark de Boer of Rotterdam Zoo and João Correia of Flying Sharks Portugal, Toby is being released in the warm waters of the Azores, Portugal. We would also like to thank Brendan O Connell Vets of Dingle who have been of great assistance throughout Toby’s rehabilitation!
December 2023.
Toby was successfully released on 30 December, just in time for the New Year! The young loggerhead which washed up on Kilcummin Strand in Brandon Bay this summer & was rehabilitated at Oceanworld, is now loving life in the warmer water of the Azores thanks to help from our friends at Flying Sharks Portugal.
Thanks to Flying Sharks Portugal for these awesome images of Toby & the great care taken in her release!
Photo Credit: Dominick walsh Photography and Flying Sharks
