Shark tagging project resumes

Conservationists continue a tagging programme for small sharks.

A project to track small sharks in Isle of Man waters has been resumed.

It is being carried out by the Manx Wildlife Trust on behalf of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

The data collected will provides much needed information on distribution, movement and population numbers and the best ways to protect them. 

The Tope shark is listed as 'vulnerable' by the International Union of Conservation of Nature.

The Small Shark Tagging (SST) Programme has been running since May 2013 to collect data for Manx waters.

Tope and other sharks, rays and skates are considered to be subject to international threats and are therefore protected in many jurisdictions.

A spokesman said two more 'tagging trips' are planned for later this summer.