How do you collect basking shark DNA!? In this episode we speak to Les Noble about his long term study into basking shark genetics. 

Modern DNA techniques are revealing amazing information about basking sharks, how they are related and their migration patterns. 

During our tours we have been collecting slime samples for Les and his team to help with the study. This is a fascinating and exciting discussion into this ground breaking basking shark research. How related are basking sharks within a group? Do basking sharks return to the same area every year? Does this research highlight the vulnerability of basking shark to local exploitation.

Listen in and also hear about the basking shark named Geri Halliwell! 

Following on from our blog post and youtube video on the subject. We've recorded a podcast chatting about the same subject!

Join us for a whistlestop worldwide basking shark tour discussing how the name came about, how the English name is different to everywhere else. How far down the rabbit hole of names, human and natural history go!?

Should we start a petition to change the name, since it was based on wrong assumptions? If so what would you call it?? Should the public be trusted not to vote Sharky McSharkFace!?

Today is the first World Basking Shark Day! 

Rachel and Shane talk about their favourite basking shark facts along with some of your best facts & experiences.

They discuss some of the highlights from our 2022 basking shark season, the great news about additional basking shark protection in Ireland and some of our previous research.

Have a listen and join in with us to celebrate all things basking sharks on world basking shark day using #worldbaskingsharkday!

In this episode Rachel & Shane discuss all the questions sent in by our audience. Including some of the following;

Some of the questions you always want to know and some you never wanted to know!

In this episode Rachel & Shane have a chat about filter feeding sharks (planktivoires) e.g basking sharks, whale sharks, mega mouths, mantas etc. A quick delve into lots of questions about basking shark food, where they go in the winter, what do basking sharks eat in the winter. We also touch on some of our previous research on marine plastics around basking shark feeding areas. 

Then we have a catch up with guide Lois who is working this winter in the Maldives with the Manta trust. She's having lots of fun in the sun, essentially guiding trips out to see the big flap flaps whilst collecting scientific data. The best part about her job is sending these rest of the basking shark crew pictures of white sands and sunshine on our whatsapp group!!! haha!

In this episode we chat with the archaeological (Clare Henderson) and wildlife (Craig Nisbet) rangers of St Kilda, the island group which sits 100 miles away from mainland Scotland. 

This rugged and isolated location has both an amazing human history along with extraordinary wildlife. It's home to a million sea birds, the highest sea cliffs & sea stacks in the UK along with being a duel UNESCO world heritage site. The island archipelago sits right out in the North Atlantic so has a well respected reputation for fearsome weather, but it's location also means it's a magnet for a whole range of wildlife above and below the waves. 

Clare & Craig give us a glimpse into their lives on the island as they spend a summer season based out there. Tales of snedge the snowy owl, living in the luxury of the manse, commuting to work by helicopter, wild swimming, seabird surveys, weather, human history, penguins and of course the basking sharks, and specially the baby shark that was seen this summer past!

It's a dream location to visit and one which is a difficult one to undertake with all the conditions required to come together. We are hoping to visit in May during a week based on Barra. Fancy joining us for a wild adventure!  Check out our trip here.

For more information on the islands check out the NTS website here (National Trust for Scotland).

After a long break we return with a very funny episode! Guides Jack & Isla join ops manager Rachel & owner Shane to review the best bits of the 2022 basking shark season. Hear about some of the funny tales of our summer on the Hebridean island of Coll. How did the girls get jack to leave the toilet, did Shane ever get his wedding ring back. How good was that experience with John Coe the orca! 

Welcome back to shark-cast, coming to you from the Basking Shark Scotland headquarters in Oban, Scotland.

On this week's episode Shane and Luke have a good old reminisce about some of the highlights from trips in years past. If you have any questions or ideas for future pods, just drop us an email! [email protected] 

Our first Episode!

On this episode we introduce the team, talk about our recent trip to Norway to swim with orca and also discuss the basking shark's new classification as 'endangered' by the IUCN.