Manx Shark Foundation launches to study basking sharks
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- Manx Shark Foundation launched as the Isle of Man's only shark conservation organization, focusing on endangered basking sharks and critically endangered tope sharks.
- Gemma Scotts and Tom Morgan co-founded the foundation after two years of research involving underwater cameras, drones, egg case analysis, and collaboration with local anglers.
- Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch is partnering with the foundation to analyze long-term basking shark sighting data and explore links to sea conditions and prey availability.
- Tom Morgan emphasized public sightings as valuable citizen science, helping track patterns in shark behavior and distribution across Manx waters.
- Manx Basking Shark Watch has closed, with its founders giving 'their blessing' for the new foundation to continue the island’s shark research legacy.
Why it matters: The closure of Manx Basking Shark Watch left a gap in local marine conservation, and the new foundation directly fills it by expanding research scope to include skates and rays. With basking shark sightings rising after quiet years, the timing allows for real-time study of population changes, supported by existing data partnerships and public engagement—making conservation efforts more responsive and data-rich.
