Basking Shark Research

Guests on these trips can be involved in our southerly migration study with the primary goals as follows:

• Study the abundance of southerly basking shark population
• Record location, time, size, sex and behaviour of southerly basking sharks along with environmental factors (e.g. sea temperature, visibility, tides, weather)
• Record images and videos of sharks for entry into shark ID catalogue
• Analyse zooplankton samples from feeding and non-feeding areas
• Analyse zooplankton samples for plastic to assess ingestion risk
• Collect genetic samples 
• Record cetacean sightings data (e.g porpoises/dolphin/whales)

Along with the study of the sharks we will have the opportunity to look for and record other exciting marine life such as whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and seabirds during our time at sea. Passengers with enough experience will be able to swim with the sharks during these trips and we will be collecting underwater information about any sharks that we observe on the expeditions. Photographers and videographers are most welcome on the trips and will benefit from fewer passenger numbers on the boat than our usual trips. 

The expedition also includes a series of info-talks on the ecology and conservation of basking sharks by our trained marine biologists.

The minimum age on the trip will be 16 years ( although mature younger kids who would enjoy being involved in this style of survey would be welcome) and we encourage students or prospective marine science students as they will gain a lot of skills and survey experience. These trips are a great way to be involved in the real work of observing and recording large marine life. However the trip is open to everyone who has an interest in basking sharks, marine life and ocean adventure.

Please note the objective of this project is to study the sharks, their food and many other factors. Although we hope to be watching and observing them both in and out the water, the goal is gather quality data rather than like our tourism style tours during the summer season. Passengers will be expected to assist with taking measurements, data gathering and work up of samples.