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Rare Basking Shark Sightings From Southern France to Barcelona

Seasonal plankton blooms likely explain the coastal visits of this endangered filter‑feeder.

Overview

  • A very large basking shark, filmed off Port‑la‑Nouvelle, was followed by further sightings near Argelès‑sur‑Mer and in Barcelona over the weekend.
  • Videos show an animal about 10–12 meters long that feeds on plankton and is harmless to people.
  • The species is listed as endangered in the Mediterranean by the IUCN, yet researchers say data on its movements are scarce.
  • Ailerons reports there is no dedicated monitoring or protection program for this shark in the region.
  • Scientists in France are surveying by drone and hope to tag an individual to track routes, as experts warn of near‑term risks from ship strikes or accidental capture.