Endangered· population decreasing· assessed 2021

Basking Shark

Cetorhinus maximus

Sighting evidence at Sound of Mull, Oban

Basking sharks aggregate in the Sound of Mull during summer months when zooplankton blooms create rich feeding lanes in the tidal currents. Drift divers may encounter these gentle giants filter-feeding with open mouths at the surface and in the water column, their sheer size — up to 10 metres — making an underwater encounter genuinely awe-inspiring. The Inner Hebrides is one of the best places in the world to see this species, and dedicated shark-watching boat trips operate from Tobermory.

Evidence at this site

1 record within 25 km

Confidence: low

Last confirmed Sep 2024

How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Also seen at other sites

Rathlin Island→