20-Foot Basking Shark Spotted in Rhode Island’s Great Salt Pond

News Summary

A rare sighting of a 20-foot basking shark occurred over Memorial Day weekend in Great Salt Pond, Rhode Island. Diners at Dead Eye Dick’s restaurant marveled at the gentle giant, known for being a harmless filter feeder. While basking sharks are common in Rhode Island’s waters during the season, such sightings in the pond are uncommon. This event not only thrilled locals but also highlighted the ecological health of Narragansett Bay, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of ‘Jaws’. The Atlantic Shark Institute encourages reporting of shark sightings to help track their populations.

Rhode Island witnessed a rare spectacle over Memorial Day weekend as a 20-foot basking shark was spotted in New Shoreham’s Great Salt Pond. The sighting, first reported by Jon Dodd, the executive director of the Atlantic Shark Institute, drew considerable attention and excitement from diners at Dead Eye Dick’s restaurant, who observed the majestic creature from their tables.

The basking shark is known as a harmless filter feeder, primarily feeding on plankton. Although this species can easily be confused with great white sharks due to their size and shape, basking sharks pose no threat to humans. One key distinguishing feature is the rounded shape of their dorsal fin compared to the pointed fin of great whites, which helps those viewing it identify the species correctly.

Despite basking sharks being relatively common in Rhode Island waters during this time of year, sightings within Great Salt Pond are infrequent. Experts suggest that this particular shark likely entered the pond by mistake, but it has since left the area. Dodd stated that the presence of the basking shark is a positive indicator of the ecological health in Narragansett Bay, highlighting a thriving marine environment.

As the temperatures rise during the summer months, an increase in shark species is anticipated in Rhode Island waters. The Atlantic Shark Institute has encouraged the public to safely document and report any shark sightings by sending pictures or videos to their email. This initiative helps in tracking shark populations and their movements within the region.

The excitement surrounding the basking shark sighting has been amplified given its coincidence with the 50th anniversary of the iconic film “Jaws.” Many locals and social media users have drawn parallels between the film and the recent sighting, leading to a surge in social media engagement. Videos of the basking shark have gone viral, accumulating over 4 million views across various platforms, further fueling public interest and conversation about sharks in the area.

Despite the initial rush of adrenaline and public concern, particularly due to the visual similarities between basking sharks and their more notorious relatives, experts want to reassure the public that basking sharks are not a danger. This sighting not only provided a thrill for onlookers but also served as a reminder of the importance of marine conservation and understanding oceanic life.

In summary, the sighting of the 20-foot basking shark in Great Salt Pond has delighted locals and brought attention to the area’s ecological health. Encouraged by the Atlantic Shark Institute, the community is invited to engage with marine life sightings in a responsible manner, capturing footage while respecting the natural environment. As the summer progresses, it remains to be seen what other marine visitors may appear in the waters of Rhode Island.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• WPRI: Vulnerable Shark Species Spotted in Great Salt Pond
• Wikipedia: Basking Shark
• CBS News: Basking Shark Video – Block Island
• Google Search: Basking Shark Sightings Rhode Island
• Boston.com: 20-Foot Long Shark Spotted Off Block Island
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Shark
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• Google News: Rhode Island Health Crisis