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An Isle of Man shark research project has offered a reward in an effort to get back a tracking tag that it is believed may wash up in the Milford Haven area.
The tag looks like a hand held microphone. It's got a grey shaft and a rounded red top with a slim antennae. The tags cost in the region of £3000.
The seven metre basking shark named Colin, was one of four sharks tagged by Manx Basking Shark Watch last July. Colin's satellite tag, which had been carrying for 77 days, detatched approximately 20 miles off Skomer on 13.10.2008.
Jackie Hall, shark watch coordinator, said the the battery on the tag is now fading and the position that is transmitting is not completely accurate. It is thought that the tag has drifted close to the mouth of the Milford Haven estuary and could be washed up on a local beach.
"Getting the tag back would allow us to download all of the information about what the basking shark was up to whilst the tag was attached. This means that we will be able to look at fine-scale foraging behaviour," said Jackie Hall.
"The data sent to us via satellite gives us a good picture of what the shark was up to, but the whole data set is a bonus of delightful proportions."
The other bonus is that if the tag is in good condition it can be reconditioned and used again next year.
There is a £200 reward for the tag. If you find it please ring Jackie Hall at Manx Basking Shark Watch on 01624 833215 or the Manx Wildlife Trust on 01624 801985.
[The basking shark has been a staple of fisheries because of its slow swimming speed, unaggressive nature and previously abundant numbers. Commercially it was put to many uses: the flesh for food and fishmeal, the hide for leather, and its large liver (which has a high squalene content) for oil.
It is currently fished mainly for its fins (for shark fin soup). Parts (such as cartilage) are also used in traditional Chinese medicine and as an aphrodisiac in Japan, further adding to demand.
As a result of rapidly declining numbers, the basking shark has been protected and trade in its products restricted in many countries.]
For further information: www.manxbaskingsharkwatch.com
Milford Haven Estuary
DYFED
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