Extraordinary Basking Shark Sighting Off Newport Beach
On a remarkable whale watching tour on Friday afternoon, participants were treated to a rare sighting of a basking shark, an encounter described as “a once-in-a-lifetime” experience. The incident occurred several miles off the Newport Beach coastline, where a keen-eyed captain first mistook the creature for an elephant seal.
An Unusual Discovery
Located approximately three miles from shore and in waters about 715 feet deep, the basking shark emerged as the captain and passengers got closer. “Oh my gosh, he’s filter-feeding!” the captain exclaimed excitedly, capturing the attention of everyone onboard. The enthusiasm was palpable as passengers caught sight of this massive marine animal.
About the Basking Shark
According to Jessica Rodriguez, education manager for Davey’s Locker Whale Watching, sightings of basking sharks—known to be the second largest shark species in the world—are quite uncommon in Southern California waters. “They typically grow to 25-30 feet in length, though some individuals have been recorded at over 40 feet long,” Rodriguez noted. These sharks are known to be gentle giants, primarily consuming plankton through filter feeding.
Rarity and Speculation
The feeding behavior of the basking shark was clearly visible in the video footage captured during the encounter. Rodriguez explained that these creatures usually inhabit cooler waters, making their appearance off the coast of California an intriguing occurrence. The sudden appearance of such a majestic species raises questions about their migration patterns.
Conclusion
Events like this serve to remind us of the wonders of marine life that exist just off our shores. The thrill experienced by the crew and passengers of the whale watching tour at seeing a basking shark is a testament to the unexpected beauty of the ocean and its inhabitants.
