NEBShark.org - New England Basking Shark Project

Little is known about the biology and life history of the basking shark. Scientists are trying to better understand their population size and distribution, as well as determine their local and seasonal movements and residency patterns. Although the basking shark is not considered a threatened or endangered species, the capture of a basking shark is prohibited by the National Marine Fisheries Service.

The basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) is one of the largest fish in the world, second only in size to the whale shark, a resident of tropical waters. Basking sharks are found in the temperate waters of New England during the spring, summer, and fall, including Cape Cod Bay and Massachusetts Bay. These animals are typically 20 to 25 feet long, but adults can reach lengths of 39 feet (12 meters) and weigh up to 8,500 pounds (3,900 kilos). Although giants in size, basking sharks feed on zooplankton, which are tiny organisms that drift in the ocean.

Basking Shark in the waters off New England

However, the species is vulnerable to habitat destruction, entanglements in fishing gear, and vessel strikes. Help scientists unravel the mysteries of this gentle giant to ensure the survival of the basking shark in the waters of New England.

Become a Citizen Scientist (click here to view/download our Basking Shark Identificaton sheet and the Educational Brochure 8 Mb)

Whether you're a fisherman, a whale watcher, or a recreational boater, scientists at the New England Basking Shark Project need your help. You can provide sighting information and photographs of the basking sharks that you observe from your vessel or from the beach. Sighting information will help scientists better understand when basking sharks enter and leave the waters of New England and what areas are preferred for feeding. Photographs will allow scientists to identify individuals to determine their seasonal residency within an area.

The large triangular dorsal fin of the basking shark

Basking Shark Alert!
A large triangular dorsal fin moving slowly across the water's surface alerts boaters and beach goers to the presence of a basking shark. The shark appears to be "basking" at the surface, giving this species its common name. But in reality, it is hard at work filter feeding at the surface.

As the shark swims closer, you will notice that its body coloring is grayish brown and may appear mottled. If the shark is feeding, its huge mouth will remain open as it filters food from the water. The inside of the mouth is pure white, but appears somewhat greenish seen through water. You may see other white markings on the body, possibly caused by a collision with a boat, skin infections, or lesions.

Spotting Basking Sharks
Look for the large, triangular dorsal fin. Sometimes the tip of the tail fin and the shark's snout can also be seen. A shark's tail moves from side to side, while a whale's tail goes up and down.

Basking sharks can be a cause of concern for small boats. When startled, these sharks have been known to thrash their tails before diving. And they can breach or jump unpredictably and very high out of the water.

To report a beached or stranded shark: call Massachusetts Marine Fisheries at 508-965-4394

Sometimes the tip of the tail can be seen

To report an entangled marine animal call 1-800-900-3622. For more information about entanglements please visit the Center for Coastal Studies website at www.coastalstudies.org.

"New England Basking Shark Project (NEBShark) is a project with the New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA) that is working to better understand and conserve New England’s unique coastal wildlife. NEBShark is collaboration with the Capt. John Boats, Bridgewater State University and the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries." .

Editable General Sighting Data Sheet

A number of people from the New England community have recently requested the use of NECWA's general sighting form used to record the presence of many different types of marine animals sighted in the waters off New England. In response to these request, NECWA has decided to post their Coastal Waters Sighting Form for use by any interested group, organization or individual. Feel free to download our Coastal Waters Sighting Form and use as needed to assist with your efforts offshore. Researchers and amateurs alike are invited to modify the sighting form in any way that more closely meets the needs of their projects or interests.

For instance, people interested in recording seabirds offshore can easily modify the form by creating species codes and behavior codes for the most common species of seabirds sighted in your area. Species codes are two-letter codes created by combining the first letter of the genus name with the first letter of the species name. Behavior codes are created in a less formal manner and can be any 2 letter combination as long as that letter combination has not been used previously for any other behavior. Providing codes for different species and observed behaviors takes less time to record and occupies less space on the sighting form. Just remember to standardize your collection methods and make sure that you do not have duplicate codes listed on the form.

Happy Sightings,
NECWA
Click here to download form (WORD Document)

Click here to download the "Make Your Own Plankton Sieves - A Tool For Studying Plankton" guide