Knock, Knock - Land Shark

A dead 25' basking shark washed up on the beach in Aquinnah yesterday. The 5,000 lb female was rolling in the surf late yesterday afternoon, attracting onlookers. A necropsy is scheduled for this afternoon. If you want to smell or see something gross, go check it out.

The carcass may be on private beach by now but it was in plain view yesterday about 1/4 mile west of Philbin beach. Mass Dept. of Marin Fisheries sharkspert Greg Skomal spoke to VT this morning. The animal appeared to have died very recently, he said. Skomal will be working over the next few hours to cut her open her open and take a look. VT will be looking for pictures.

Basking sharks are common in Vineyard waters. As are many species of coastal sharks. If you didn't know that or haven't understood a word we have said then you need Sharks 101. Greg gave this talk at the New England Aquarium back in 2004 and it something that everyone living in a coastal community like ours should see. Enjoy.