Scientists discovered a rare shark nursery about 200 miles off the coast of Ireland during a government-backed deep ocean survey.
The Marine Institute presented its discovery during the INFOMAR Seabed Mapping Seminar in Kinsale, Ireland on Nov. 8 and 9. The scientists debuted the video of the nursery which was captured by the SeaRover — the underwater survey by Ireland's Marine Institute and partners from Plymouth University.
"We are delighted to report the discovery of a rare shark nursery on a scale not previously documented in Irish waters," said David O'Sullivan, Chief Scientist of the SeaRover survey. "This discovery shows the significance of documenting sensitive marine habitats, and will give us a better understanding of the biology of these beautiful animals and their ecosystem function in Ireland's Biologically Sensitive Area."
Deep-Water Shark Nurseries
The shark nursery was discovered accidentally during the SeaRover mission to investigate the rich marine biodiversity that thrives within the deep ocean territory off the coast of Ireland. The scientists used a remotely-operated vehicle called the Holland 1 which was deployed onboard the ship ILV Granuaile.
While exploring the deep ocean coral reef systems, the underwater drone found the shark nursery, including several egg cases —sometimes called mermaid purses — which suggest that female sharks gather in the area to lay eggs. However, there were no pups around the site when the video was taken.
Scientists believe that Blackmouth catsharks or Galeus melastomus, which are common in the northeast Atlantic, use the site as their nursery. A school of Blackmouth catshark was present at the site along with some Sailfin roughsharks (Oxynotus paradoxus) which are declared 'Near Threatened' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Scientists further explained that the nearby coral reef system might have acted as a refuge to the shark pups once they hatched.
A Rare Look At The Lives Of Sharks
The deep-ocean shark nursery was an exciting major biological discovery. Sites like the one discovered off the coast of Ireland are incredibly rare and the team hopes to return to find out more about the biology and ecology of the sharks.
O'Sullivan thinks that more shark nurseries might be scattered around the area. By next summer, the scientists want to try and catch a video footage of eggs hatching.
The shark nursery was observed within one of the offshore Special Areas of Conservation in Ireland.
