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Isle of Man: Marine Life Thrives in Bumper Year
21 Aug
Summary
- Fishermen report best shark sightings in decades, with over 30 individuals.
- Dolphins Moonlight and Starlight are regular performers off Peel.
- Unusually large numbers of seals, porpoises, and jellyfish are present.
Marine life is flourishing around the Isle of Man coast, marking what locals describe as a "bumper year" for sightings. Fishermen have reported the most significant shark activity seen in decades, with over 30 individuals, including many juveniles, observed in Manx waters. These Basking sharks, the second-largest fish globally, are typically present from late spring to early autumn.
Adding to the spectacle, two Bottlenose dolphins, affectionately named Moonlight and Starlight, have become local celebrities. They regularly delight passengers on boat trips, showcasing playful behavior. Other cetacean species, including common dolphins, Risso's dolphins, Harbour porpoises, and Minke whales, are also frequently recorded.
The island's waters have also seen a notable increase in grey seals and, more problematically, massive swarms of jellyfish. This resurgence in marine activity evokes conditions not seen for many years, bringing a unique vibrancy to the Isle of Man's coastline.
