REFLECTIONS ON A RARE BASKING SHARK ENCOUNTER
August 2020
Dr. Simon Berrow narrates his experience with basking sharks in the fall off West Clare. The species is often seen feeding in this area in the spring - but the seasonal timing of this experience was not the only unusual component...
© IBSG
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON BASKING SHARKS| 2025
Please join us for the International Conference on Basking Sharks, jointly hosted by the IBSG and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.*
The goals of this conference are interdisciplinary:
1) to create a global discussion of ongoing research
2) to encourage international collaboration and data sharing
3) to highlight the unique cultural history of the species.
This conference is open to scientists and non-scientists alike - all those interested in basking sharks.
*The National Parks and Wildlife Service is the Executive Agency within the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in Ireland, with responsibility for nature conservation, wildlife protection and the presentation and preservation of our National Parks and Nature Reserves. www.npws.ie
Conference Information
Please watch this space for conference updates.
Registration and Abstract Submission
Registration for this conference is open and available through June 30, 2025.
Tickets are available for two-day, single-day, and remote attendance (general admission/student), and free participation in the Ocean Literacy Day on Achill Island (see "Schedule" below). Additional purchases for the conference banquet and conference merchandise are also available.
Early bird registration is happening until May 15, 2025, after which ticket prices will increase.
*A discounted registration rate is available for nationals of low income countries and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). To determine if you qualify for reduced registration rates, please consult the World Bank Developing Countries list and UNESCO List of Small Island Developing States (SIDS ; Excluding Singapore). If costs remain prohibitive with this discount (or you believe you should qualify for the discount but your country is not on the list), please contact us to discuss possible support (note that this may not be guaranteed).
The deadline for abstract submission is May 15, 2025.
Note that abstract submission does not count as registration, and potential presenters will need to register at the registration link above.
Schedule
The conference will consist of 2 days of technical presentations (talks and posters) and workshops, held from August 29-30. On August 31, please join us in celebrating the cultural significance of this species on Achill Island (County Mayo), which is known as one of Ireland's basking shark "hotspots" and holds a long history with this animal.
For more details on the agenda and to register for the event, please see the following link.
Workshops
COMING SOON! Watch this space for information on conference workshops. If you are interested in hosting or co-hosting a workshop, please reach out to us at irishbaskingshark2025@gmail.com.
Location
The 2025 International Conference on Basking Sharks will be held at Atlantic Technological University, Galway City (County Galway, Ireland).
Transportation
Please see this document for tips and tricks regarding transportation around Ireland. We will update the document as new information becomes available. As part of our initiative to keep this conference as green as possible, we will also link to a ride-sharing spreadsheet following registration.
Questions?
Please see the FAQs listed on our Registration page. Further updates on conference topics, workshops, and a detailed agenda will also be provided via email and on this site following abstract submission and registration.
If you have additional inquiries, please email: irishbaskingshark2025@gmail.com.
Thank you to our sponsors
Interesting in supporting this conference? Please email us (irishbaskingshark2025@gmail.com).
