155: Sixgill Sharks and Flapper Skates with Patrick Collins
08/02/23 • 53 min
The sixgill shark (Hexanchus griseus) is the largest of the Hexanchiformes order of sharks, the most primitive living sharks, sometimes called “fossil sharks”. The sixgill, sometimes known as the blunt nose sixgill or cow shark, can grow to over 6 metres (20 feet) in length and weigh over a tonne. What’s interesting is that in Ireland one can catch one of these beasts with rod and line, most famously with the help of master skipper Luke Aston, who is not only a great friend of the podcast but was also our guest in episode 41.
There is very little known about these sharks and what they are doing in (relatively) shallow waters off the coast of Ireland. To explore this subject I was pleased to welcome back to the show Dr Patrick Collins, a marine biologist at Queen’s University Belfast, who was previously our guest in episode 81. During our conversation, we discussed our knowledge and understanding of these species of sharks.
In the second part of the show, we switched to Patrick’s main subject of research: the common skate complex. It was great to hear an update on the progress of research and conservation action since the last time we spoke in late 2020. You are going to hear about some of the findings for the first time here. Unfortunately, the news turns out not to be good.
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The sixgill shark (Hexanchus griseus) is the largest of the Hexanchiformes order of sharks, the most primitive living sharks, sometimes called “fossil sharks”. The sixgill, sometimes known as the blunt nose sixgill or cow shark, can grow to over 6 metres (20 feet) in length and weigh over a tonne. What’s interesting is that in Ireland one can catch one of these beasts with rod and line, most famously with the help of master skipper Luke Aston, who is not only a great friend of the podcast but was also our guest in episode 41.
There is very little known about these sharks and what they are doing in (relatively) shallow waters off the coast of Ireland. To explore this subject I was pleased to welcome back to the show Dr Patrick Collins, a marine biologist at Queen’s University Belfast, who was previously our guest in episode 81. During our conversation, we discussed our knowledge and understanding of these species of sharks.
In the second part of the show, we switched to Patrick’s main subject of research: the common skate complex. It was great to hear an update on the progress of research and conservation action since the last time we spoke in late 2020. You are going to hear about some of the findings for the first time here. Unfortunately, the news turns out not to be good.
Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science Newsletter
Support the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.
Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/books
Merch: tommysoutdoors.com/shop
Follow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook
Previous Episode
154: Hunting Europe: The Present and Future with David Scallan
It was my great pleasure to once again welcome to my show Dr David Scallan, the Secretary General of the European Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FACE). It has been over three years since the last time we spoke on the podcast. So I felt that it was high time to talk with David again as there is a lot going on for hunters and hunting organisations at the moment.
We discuss a range of topics that are important to hunters: the inevitable ban on ammunition containing lead, the public perception of hunting in Europe, the need for change in hunting organisations and the proposed EU Nature Restoration Law. It was a great conversation and if you are a hunter or just interested in nature conservation you should definitely listen to this one.
Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science Newsletter
Support the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.
Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/books
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Next Episode
156: Save Blackswarth Road Wood with Phil Sturgeon
Some things are so tiny yet so central that they matter more than giant things elsewhere. This is a paraphrased message I got from Phil Sturgeon, an ex-techie and founder of Protect Earth charity, who dedicated his life to woodland creation and restoration. As it turns out, Phil is running a fundraiser to buy five acres of mature woodland in Crew's Hole, Bristol, for the long-term benefit of the community, wildlife and, of course, the climate. I have been following Phil’s work for some time now and he strikes me as a cool dude who does a lot of good work. So, without hesitation from either side, we decided to sit down and have a chat about the fundraiser and Phil’s work in a broader context.
While listening to our conversation, you will learn why Phil decided to start his charity, how he goes about identifying suitable sites for woodland creation, and what work he and his volunteers conduct while restoring or creating woodland. We also discuss common misconceptions about woodland creation or, as some call it, “planting trees”. There are a few things that can be done incorrectly, so it is interesting to hear what exactly those things are, as well as discuss what Phil and his crew do to avoid those mistakes.
I’m sure, that in the end, you’ll be convinced of the value of his work and you’ll break out a few quid to save the Blackswarth Road Wood. To find out more about the fundraiser, click here.
Subscribe to Tommy's Outdoors: Conservation and Science Newsletter
Support the Podcast and Buy Me a Coffee.
Recommended Books: tommysoutdoors.com/books
Merch: tommysoutdoors.com/shop
Follow Tommy's Outdoors on Bluesky, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook
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