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Basking shark

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Basking sharks are the second largest species of living sharks, surpassed in size only by the whale shark. They are named “basking sharks” due to their observed behavior of swimming near the ocean’s surface, seemingly basking in the sun. Despite their formidable size, they pose no threat to humans and are typically regarded as docile. Endowed with a torpedo-shaped body and a wide, arching mouth, they are easily recognizable. However, they remain a relatively elusive species with many aspects of their life history, including breeding habits and migration patterns, still shrouded in mystery. 

Population

The basking shark is a slow swimming species that can travel alone or in schools of 100 individuals or more.

They are ovoviviparous, with a gestation period lasting 2-3 years, and pups are born fully developed. Details on their reproductive cycle remain scarce due to the rarity of encounters with pregnant females​​​​.

Scientific Name

Cetorhinus maximus

Conservation Status

COSEWIC: Not at Risk
Basking sharks are considered a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to past overfishing.

Size

Typically, Basking Sharks reach lengths of 7-9 meters; however, they can grow up to 12 meters. They have large conical snouts, small numerous teeth, and a notable feature is their large gill slits that nearly encircle the head, aiding their filter-feeding lifestyle.

Habitat & Range

Basking sharks are a coastal-pelagic species distributed through Arctic and temperate waters of the world. In the northwest Atlantic Ocean, it is found from White and Notre Dame Bay in northern Newfoundland, through the Gulf of St. Lawrence, on the Scotian Shelf and southward to Florida. In Canadian waters, these sharks are often spotted during warmer months

Diet

Planktonic (Filter) feeders, primarily feeding on zooplankton, tiny fish, and squid.

basking sharks in Newfoundland & Labrador

The Basking Shark has been a part of Newfoundland and Labrador’s maritime history, encountered by fishermen and mariners for centuries. Historically exploited for their liver oil, they were once common in Canadian waters but now sightings are rarer due to past culling and fishing pressures.

As filter feeders, Basking Sharks play an important role in marine ecosystems, contributing to the health of plankton populations. Their presence in Newfoundland and Labrador’s waters indicates a healthy marine environment, making their conservation significant for maintaining ecological balance​​​​​​.

THREATS

Basking Sharks in Newfoundland and Labrador face a variety of threats which impact their survival and conservation status. They often become bycatch in commercial fishing operations, unintentionally caught in nets meant for other species, which can result in injury or death. Additionally, their habit of feeding near the water’s surface makes them susceptible to ship strikes, leading to fatal injuries. Historically, these sharks have been targeted for their liver oil and were subjects of eradication programs, especially in the Pacific, drastically reducing their numbers. Habitat disturbances, such as pollution and construction, along with climate change, are altering their marine environment, affecting their food sources and migration patterns, which could have long-term impacts on their populations.

CURRENT PROTECTIONS

In response to these threats, Basking Sharks are now protected under several initiatives. In Canada, the Pacific population is listed as ‘endangered’ under the Species at Risk Act (SARA), providing them legal protections against harm and habitat disturbance. Additionally, there are fisheries management regulations in place aimed at reducing bycatch and preventing direct fishing pressures. Internationally, they are covered under agreements that aim to conserve migratory and vulnerable species, fostering global cooperation for their protection. Research and monitoring efforts by Fisheries and Oceans Canada are crucial for understanding their life patterns, which assists in informed conservation strategies. Public awareness campaigns and sighting reporting programs are also significant for their conservation, helping to track their populations and enabling quicker responses to sharks in distress​​​​​​.

 

further resources

Sharks Species Profile

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

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