New research into basking sharks around island

New research into basking sharks around the island focuses on how endangered basking sharks use Manx waters, after sightings increased during this year. The Manx Shark Foundation was created by shark scientist Gemma Scotts and fisheries officer Tom Morgan, who said recent reports are encouraging but that researchers still need to determine why the species has returned after several quiet years. Working with UK marine conservation charity Mareco and local groups including the island’s environment department, Manx Wildlife Trust, and Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch, the team spent two years running underwater camera surveys, drone monitoring, analyzing egg cases, and studying information from local anglers. The foundation is also analyzing sighting records to look for longer-term patterns and assess how sea conditions and prey availability may affect where sharks are found. Basking sharks are classified as endangered, while the team also plans to study the critically endangered tope shark. The foundation is now the only Isle of Man organization dedicated to shark conservation after the closure of Manx Basking Shark Watch.