Increased Basking Shark Sightings Prompt Research
Recent years have seen a rise in basking shark sightings around the Isle of Man, prompting researchers to seek a clearer understanding of how these endangered animals use and behave in Manx waters.
The Manx Shark Foundation was established by shark scientist Gemma Scotts and fisheries officer Tom Morgan to advance this research.
Morgan noted that although the increase in basking shark sightings is encouraging, much remains unknown about the species and the factors influencing their movements.
"We need to try and work out whether there's a reason that they've come back."
After several years of few sightings, Morgan emphasized the importance of investigating whether the recent presence of basking sharks is due to specific causes or simply a chance occurrence.
"With plenty of theories to look into, it was important to understand if the increase was down to a specific reason or whether it's just this year they fancied a trip past the Isle of Man," he added.
Collaborative Research Efforts
Scotts and Morgan have partnered with UK marine conservation charity Mareco, the Isle of Man's environment department, the Manx Wildlife Trust, and Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch. Together, they conducted two years of research prior to launching the Manx Shark Foundation.
Their research methods have included underwater camera surveys, drone monitoring, analysis of egg cases, and collaboration with local anglers to gather data.
The foundation is also working with Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch to analyze long-term basking shark sighting records. This analysis aims to identify patterns and investigate how environmental factors such as sea conditions and prey availability influence shark distribution.
Morgan highlighted the value of public participation in data collection.
"Sightings submitted by the public were a really valuable, wide-scale and cost-effective form of citizen science."
Addressing Knowledge Gaps in Marine Life
The foundation aims to fill broader knowledge gaps regarding the island's marine species, particularly sharks, skates, and rays, which are often overlooked despite their ecological importance.
"Sharks, skates and rays are often overlooked, but they're such an important part of healthy ocean ecosystems," Morgan said.
He added that there remains limited understanding of many local species, including how they utilize Manx waters and the pressures they face.
Focus on Endangered Species
Among the species of interest is the tope shark, classified as critically endangered, while basking sharks are listed as endangered. The foundation seeks to expand knowledge about these species to aid conservation efforts.
The Manx Shark Foundation is currently the only organization on the Isle of Man dedicated exclusively to shark conservation, following the closure of Manx Basking Shark Watch.
Before establishing the foundation, Scotts and Morgan consulted with the former charity's founders, Jack Doyle and Graham Hall, who supported their continuation of the work.
Morgan expressed the foundation's commitment to building on the island's history of shark research by raising awareness, supporting scientific studies, and protecting sharks, skates, and rays in Manx waters for the future.
"We hope to build on the island's long history of shark research by raising awareness, supporting further scientific studies and helping protect sharks, skates and rays in Manx waters for the future."
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More stories from the Isle of Man can be found on the BBC website, with BBC North West Tonight available on BBC , and updates on BBC Isle of Man's Facebook and X pages.
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