Isle of Man Steam Packet supports Manx Basking Shark Watch

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is proud to announce its sponsorship of a satellite tag to help Manx Basking Shark Watch in its conservation work.

The Manx Basking Shark Watch, a Manx Wildlife Trust charity project, has been studying local basking sharks since 2005. Satellite tagging is a significant area of its research, with the findings gained from the programme having led to the discovery of a real possibility of a very local school of these sharks.

Basking sharks are the second largest fish in the world and are exceedingly rare. It is estimated that only 6,000-8,000 breeding females remain, having been all but wiped out after being hunted for their liver oil and fins, and the fact that they are very slow breeders. Satellite tagging and tracking information is crucial in the preservation of this species, as local and international governments and conservation bodies can analyse findings and learn how best to conserve this remnant population for future generations.