Scientists close to confirming basking shark numbers in Manx waters

To gauge the population numbers slime samples were collected from the sharks last year.

Scientists are on the verge of making a major research breakthrough into the population figures of the elusive basking shark.

Basking sharks inhabit Manx waters every year throughout the spring and summer months, but very little is known about them for the rest of the time.

To gauge the population numbers slime samples were collected from the sharks last year.

So far it is known that this method has worked, the scientists are now carrying out the final part of the research, which should give a definitive population count.

Eleanor Stone from the Manx Wildlife Trust has said it will also tell them if the sharks are part of one big related population, or separate.

Despite early sightings in Ireland and Cornwall it’s thought the gentle giants won’t make an appearance in Manx waters for at least another month.

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