Basking shark

The basking shark is a large, slow-moving shark that filters plankton from temperate ocean waters, often swimming with its enormous mouth open.

Filter feeding: A feeding method that strains small organisms or particles from water or air. The basking shark gathers plankton by filtering seawater as it swims.
Shark: A cartilaginous fish belonging to the subclass Elasmobranchii. The basking shark is one of the largest living members of this group.
Isle of Man basking shark: A seasonal basking shark population observed in waters around the Isle of Man. Its predictable coastal appearances have made this region a notable place for studying the species.
Basking shark fishery: Commercial and local fishing directed at basking sharks, historically valued for oil, meat, and fins. Targeted fisheries caused severe declines in several basking shark populations.
Gill rakers: Comb-like structures on fish gill arches that retain food while water passes through. These structures trap plankton as water flows across the shark’s gills.
Cartilaginous fish: A fish whose skeleton is made primarily of cartilage rather than bone. Its skeletal structure reflects the shared body plan of sharks and their relatives.
Basking shark satellite tagging: The use of satellite-linked tags to track basking shark movements and diving behavior. Tagging has revealed long-distance travel and dives beyond the surface-feeding zones.
Basking shark conservation: The protection and management of basking shark populations and their habitats. Slow population growth makes recovery from fishing pressure difficult.
Zooplankton: Small animals and animal-like organisms that drift in water currents. Zooplankton forms much of the basking shark’s food.
Gill slit: An external opening through which water exits a fish’s respiratory system. The basking shark’s unusually large gill slits accommodate its high-volume filter feeding.

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