Basking Shark Conference for Isle of Man

A Conference: Basking Sharks: A Global Perspective: The Manx Government, Manx Basking Shark Watch and the Save our Seas Foundation are hosting a conference, “BASKING SHARKS: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE” on the Isle of Man August 3rd-6th 2009. Experts in basking shark tagging, genetics and conservation will come from around the world to discuss ways to study, conserve and manage this wonderful animal. It will be followed by the UK Wildlife Trusts’ Basking Shark Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) meeting at the same venue.

For more information visit

Marine Nature Reserve Meeting

There is a presentation and community meeting taking place on Wednesday 25 February 2009 at 8pm at the Mount Tabor Methodist Hall, Port St Mary.

This is a great opportunity to get involved in something that will be beneficial to the Isle of Man and all the local community.

Please come down and tell us your views and join in the debate.

Admission is free and refreshments will be provided!

For more details contact Fiona Gell on 843109 or email fiona.gell@gov.im

Great Marine and Basking Shark Photographs added

Check out our Images page for the latest photographs of Isle of Man Marine life and Basking Sharks.

Lots of thanks to all who have contributed photographs.

Isle of Man Marine Facts – Basking Sharks

We will hopefully develop this site into a great resource for all to use. To educate, inform and make people proud and understand the importance of the sea around the Isle of Man and the key role it has to play in our lives. That’s the reason why we celebrate Marine Day.

So to start the ball rolling we will keep putting up regular facts about the sea around the Isle of Man.

Fact 1

Did you know that the waters of the Isle of Man are home to one of the worlds largest concentrations of Basking Sharks. Bet you didnt know that!

Fact 2

Did you know that the Basking Shark is the second largest fish in the world!

Don’t you feel lucky to live or come on holiday here!

Fact 3

A Basking shark can grow up to 11. 5 meters and even weigh over 7 tonnes!

Apparently the best places to spot them are off the west coast of the island, you can see them from the shore if they are close in, but its best out in a boat.

Fact 4

Basking sharks eat plankton and are harmless to humans. Their huge mouths contain thousands of mucous covered gill rakers that filter plankton out of the water. Basking sharks swim just below the surface of the water, filtering out the plankton.

Fact 5

A Basking shark can filter the amount of water needed to fill a 50m swimming pool in roughly one hour! Thats amazing!

The Manx Wildlife Trust run a scheme called the Manx Basking Shark Watch, the team who co-ordinate this do an amazing job and they are incrediby committed to finding out more about these fascinating creatures and their habits. For more information log onto Manx Basking Shark Watch.

They will also be attending Marine Day on the 9th August, so look out for their stand.