See the basking shark breach off the Irish coast. Credit: Conor Rowlands<\/p>\n
Basking sharks<\/a>\u00a0can often be spotted off the coast of Ireland, Cornwall and Scotland in the summer. <\/p>\n “In recent years, there have been two seasonal peaks of basking shark sightings in Irish waters,\u201d says Rowlands. <\/p>\n “The first peak occurs during the spring and early summer when they can be seen feeding on the surface. The second peak occurs during the late summer and autumn when they gather in huge aggregations and breach regularly.\u201d<\/p>\n No one knows for sure why these enormous animals breach but it must have an important purpose for them to use up so much energy leaping from the water. Some think it might be to do with courtship.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWith the use of aerial and underwater photography, groups of sharks have been documented swimming in a tight circle known as a \u2018torus\u2019,\u201d explains Rowlands. “Their mouths are closed, so they aren’t feeding, which is further evidence that this could be a form of courtship.\u201d<\/p>\n If this is some kind of mating ritual, startling or disturbing the sharks \u2013 for example, by getting too close or blocking their path \u2013 could have a serious impact on future populations.\u00a0<\/p>\n Rowlands encourages wildlife lovers to check out\u00a0The Irish Basking Shark Group<\/a>\u00a0for more information on how to see basking sharks without disturbing these gentle giants. \u201cThe safest and most responsible way to see them is from the shore,\u201d he says. \u201cIt’s arguably the most enjoyable way to see them as well!\u201d<\/p>\n Top image: Basking shark breach. Credit: Conor\u00a0Rowlands<\/p>\n More amazing wildlife stories from around the world<\/p>\n![\"Basking](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Basking-Shark-breach.jpeg\")
Wildlife photographer\u00a0Conor\u00a0Rowlands described the encounter as “an unbelievable day”. Credit: Conor\u00a0Rowlands\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n