New species

[Dogbert]

With large shoals of sardines and anchovies now visiting our South West Coast is there a possibility that predator fish such as the Atlantic bonito will follow them?

[corbyeire]

Why not - the smooth hounds and giltheads have come north

[corkconian]

Ya I would imagine in another 5 years we are going to see some more interesting fish for sure

[kieran]

Some years ago a friend on a scientific vessel found many individuals from several sub-tropical species on a reef off Clare (trawling), species that are more associated with the Azores. I posted it here and got some interesting PMs! The marine biologist did not attribute it mostly to global warming, but suspected they may have been regular migrant visitors, but I don't see why bonito could not show up. Lockdown is a bitch when you're more than 5 k from the coast. I am sick of the sight of small pike...

[Atlantic Angler]

Sounds very interesting do you have a link to your post Kieran ? Thanks

[Dogbert]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts lads.
With tuna, gilt-heads, triggerfish and anchovies and the like swimming along the coast god knows what will show up in the next few years.

[jd]

With tuna, gilt-heads, triggerfish and anchovies and the like swimming along the coast god knows what will show up in the next few years.

A few great whites chasing the seals around Raven Point. That'd be a sight

[Dogbert]

Would certainly help get rid of some the mak snatchers.

[eoghanb]

Always amazed there isn’t more orcas eating the east coast seals ,plenty all along it

[kieran]

when you get time and the freedom to do so, come to Belmullet to watch the Orcas feeding on the salmon in Blacksod.
IWDG could probably confirm which pod it is... it may be the west Scottish pod that is now considered in danger.

A few years ago they came right into the harbour... stayed for five days. No video on it.
Reckon they are bound to hang around the Inishkea islands - massive seal colony there now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgQJWMC24jkSeals 1 and 4 minutes in, channel between the islands 3 mins in and filmed on a calm day, not a place to bring a boat!