Surveys for Basking Sharks (Cetorhinus maximus) and other pelagic sharks on the Pacific Coast of Canada, 2007-2011 / by A.M. Surry and J.R. King. : Fs97-6/3108E-PDF

In 2007, the Pacific population of Basking Shark (Cetorhinus maximus) was assessed as Endangered by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). Aerial surveys were identified as one method for search and enumeration of Basking Sharks in historic areas of abundance. Therefore, 25 aerial surveys for Basking Sharks were conducted between 2007–2011 on the west coast of Vancouver Island and in Rivers Inlet, British Columbia. In addition, one offshore aerial survey and one offshore boat-based survey were conducted in 2011 on the west coast of Vancouver Island. No Basking Sharks were observed. However, numerous pelagic sharks such as Blue Sharks (Prionace glauca) and possibly Tope Sharks (Galeorhinus galeus) were observed on the offshore aerial and boat-based surveys. In addition, many marine mammals and other sightings were successfully observed and identifiedon all surveys, indicating that these surveys were effective for spotting animals when they were present. In 2007–2011, while aerial surveys were ongoing, reports of Basking Sharks to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) from members of the public were rare, with only four confirmed sightings, and five sightings considered likely. Coordinating future aerial surveys with reports of Basking Sharks provided to DFO by members of the public could increase the number of confirmed Basking Shark sightings.

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