Donegal Daily
  • News
  • Sport
  • Courts
  • Jobs
  • Business
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Politics
  • Features
  • Donegal County Council News
Sunday 16°CMonday 17°C

Donegal Daily Donegal Daily

sponsor banner
sponsor banner
  • News
  • Sport
  • Courts
  • Jobs
  • Business
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Politics
  • Features
  • Donegal County Council News
FeaturesNews

GROUP PLEAD WITH MINISTER TO PROTECT GIANT BASKING SHARKS

written by Stephen Maguire June 8, 2014
FacebookTweetLinkedInPrint

The Donegal-based Irish Basking Shark Study Group has demanded Minister of Arts, Heritage, Gaelteacht and the Islands, Jimmy Deenihan to provide legal protection to basking sharks.

A basking shark

A basking shark

Hundreds of the majestic animals have arrived off the coast of Ireland in recent weeks with Donegal being rich in the huge creatures.

Scientist Emmett Johnston, based in Inishowen, heads up the research project to understand more about the basking shark.

However, the sharks, the second largest fish in the world’s oceans, have no legal protection under Irish law.

Up until the 1950s the creatures were hunted across Ireland for the oil from their liver with more than 1,500 of the massive creature killed.

Although the docile creatures are not hunted anymore, there are fears they are still vulnerable to being attacked or caught up in devices used for renewable energy.

A spokesman for the group said “The basking shark is a true oceanic citizen which respects no territorial boundaries, it has a unique place in Irish maritime heritage and we are privileged to have access in Ireland to such an inspiring animal.

“With this opportunity also comes a responsibility to ensure its protection and safe passage whilst present in Ireland’s waters.”

The group has written to Minister Deenihan impressing upon him the tourism potential of the basking shark which is already being tapped into here in Co Donegal.

 

GROUP PLEAD WITH MINISTER TO PROTECT GIANT BASKING SHARKS was last modified: June 8th, 2014 by Stephen Maguire
FacebookTweetLinkedInPrint

Tags:
Basking Sharksdonegalprotection
Stephen Maguire

Stephen Maguire is the co-founder of Donegal Daily. He has worked as a reporter for almost 30 years starting locally with the Donegal Peoples Press before moving to the Mirror Group. He continues to contribute daily to national media outlets including the Irish Times, RTE, the Irish Independent, Irish Sun, Irish Mirror, Irish Star, the Daily Mail and the Examiner.

LEAVE A COMMENT

You may also like

‘Teachmeet’ for early years educators and primary...

10 hours ago

Killybegs to welcome more than 3,500 visitors...

11 hours ago

‘We are both fine’ – Daniel reassures...

13 hours ago

Dog wardens planning patrols across north west...

13 hours ago

Donegal gardaí warn over tarmac scammers using...

15 hours ago

Call for action on ‘eyesores’ at scenic...

16 hours ago

Alarming rise in illegal parking in disabled...

17 hours ago

Power cut impacting over 1,400 properies in...

18 hours ago

Road closures and public transport changes announced...

20 hours ago

‘Rory Gallagher Avenue’ to be unveiled at...

21 hours ago
Advertisement
Advertisement

Donegal County Council

Facebook
Donegal County Council
Advertisement
Advertisement
Donegal Daily Jobs

Read More

  • News
  • Sport
  • Courts
  • Jobs
  • Sales & Services
  • Obituaries
  • Features
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Council News

Information

  • Contact Us
  • About
  • Advertise WIth Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms & Conditions

Our Sites

Donegal Woman
Donegal Woman
Donegal Daily

© 2025 Donegal Daily. All rights reserved.
Website by owenod


Back To Top.

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy