A massive basking shark, measuring an impressive 20 feet (6 metres), was sighted recently off the coast of Rhode Island, USA. This unusual marine observation took place in the Great Salt Pond and was recorded by local resident Jen Seebeck. The footage went viral, accumulating over four million views after it was shared on the Atlantic Shark Institute’s social media channels.
The post drawing attention to this sighting highlighted its size and evoked comparisons to the iconic movie “Jaws,” coincidentally released 50 years ago. The Atlantic Shark Institute remarked on the shark’s striking resemblance to a scene from the film, stating, “Clearly a very large shark and reminiscent of a scene from Jaws.” As shark sightings increase in Rhode Island, they are attributed to warming sea temperatures making the area more appealing for various shark species.
While the shark featured in “Jaws” is a great white, the creature captured on video is confirmed as a basking shark, as explained by Jon Dodd, the executive director of the Atlantic Shark Institute. He noted, “They are harmless filter-feeders,” emphasising that while large, these sharks pose no threat to humans, despite their considerable size.
Basking sharks are characterised by their rounded fins, in contrast to the pointed fins of great whites, although both species are sometimes mistakenly identified as each other. Known for their gentle nature, basking sharks primarily feed on plankton, which means they do not consume smaller fish. They are the second-largest fish species worldwide, capable of reaching lengths of up to 40 feet (12 metres), according to the University of Florida.
In summary, the recent sighting of a basking shark off Rhode Island not only highlights the presence of these magnificent creatures in the area but also serves as a reminder of their gentle nature, as well as the ongoing changes in the marine environment, drawing attention from both local enthusiasts and the wider public.