Canadian Shark ConservancyALL SHARKS

ATLANTIC · PACIFIC / CANADA

Basking shark

Cetorhinus maximus

Canada's gentle, plankton-feeding ocean giant.

A basking shark swimming underwater with its mouth open while filter feeding.
Photo: Greg Skomal / NOAA Fisheries Service · Public domain
A basking shark swimming near the ocean surface.
Photo: rossbeane · CC BY-SA 2.0
Overhead view of a basking shark swimming through blue ocean water.
Photo: National Marine Sanctuaries · Public domain
A basking shark filter feeding just below the ocean surface.
Photo: PL · CC BY-SA 3.0
CONSERVATION STATUSEndangered — Pacific population
SIZECommonly 6–8 m; larger individuals occur
DIETZooplankton
01

Species overview

Basking sharks filter tiny plankton from seawater. They occur on both Canadian coasts, though the Pacific population is now rarely observed.

02

Habitat and range

Coastal and offshore temperate waters

03

Diet

Zooplankton

04

Threats and pressures

Vessel strikes, Entanglement, Historic fishing pressure

Knowledge replaces fear. Stewardship begins with understanding.

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