New research into basking sharks around island

Researchers are hoping to build a clearer picture of how endangered basking sharks use and behave in Manx waters, as sightings of the species have risen this year.

The Manx Shark Foundation has been created by shark scientist Gemma Scotts and fisheries officer Tom Morgan.

Morgan said that while recent basking shark sightings have been encouraging, there was still a lot to learn about the animals and what influenced where they were went.

Following several quiet years for sightings, he said: "We need to try and work out whether there's a reason that they've come back."

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.

Working alongside UK marine conservation charity Mareco, as well as the island's environment department, the Manx Wildlife Trust and Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch, the pair spent two years carrying out research before launching the foundation.

Their work has included underwater camera surveys, drone monitoring, analysing egg cases, and research with local anglers.

The foundation is also analysing basking shark sighting records with Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch to identify longer-term patterns and explore how factors such as sea conditions and prey availability may influence where the animals are found.

Morgan said sightings submitted by the public were "a really valuable, wide-scale and cost-effective form of citizen science".

The foundation also hoped to address wider gaps in knowledge about the island's marine life.

Morgan said: "Sharks, skates and rays are often overlooked, but they're such an important part of healthy ocean ecosystems.

"We still know so little about many of our local species, and there are huge knowledge gaps around how they use Manx waters, and what pressures they face."

Among the species the team hopes to learn more about is the tope shark, which is listed as critically endangered, while basking sharks are classed as endangered.

The Manx Shark Foundation is now the Isle of Man's only organisation dedicated to shark conservation following the closure of Manx Basking Shark Watch.

Before launching, the pair met with the former charity's founders Jack Doyle and Graham Hall, who gave them "their blessing" to continue the work.

Morgan said they hoped 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.