Rare 150-year-old Greenland shark washes up in Ireland

A rare Greenland shark, estimated to be up to 150 years old, was discovered washed ashore on the coast of Finisklin in County Sligo, Ireland, on Saturday. This marks the first recorded stranding of this deep-water species on the Irish coast. Initially reported as a basking shark, photos later confirmed it to be a Greenland shark, a discovery described as "very rare" by the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG).

Greenland sharks are renowned as the longest-living vertebrates, with lifespans potentially exceeding 500 years. Native to the cold waters of the Arctic and North Atlantic, these large sharks typically grow to 4 to 6 meters in length. The male specimen found in Sligo measured approximately 2 meters and was thought to be nearing sexual maturity, which for this species occurs around 150 years of age. They thrive in extreme, sub-zero environments, using a highly developed sense of smell to scavenge for food.

The Natural History Museum of Ireland (NHMI) has taken possession of the shark. Due to the difficult access to the stranding site, specialist equipment, including a crane, was required for its removal. The NHMI plans to conduct a detailed scientific post-mortem examination to gain further understanding of this elusive deep-water species. Tissue samples and anatomical components are being preserved, and the museum hopes to display the specimen in the future, allowing visitors to learn more about one of the world's most mysterious sharks.