Basking sharks feed during migration by diving into deep scattering layers in the Northwest Atlantic
By
Jaida N. Elcock ,
Summary
This scientific study examines the overwintering migration behavior of basking sharks (Cetorhinus maximus) in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean using pop-up satellite archival transmitting (PSAT) tags. The research reveals that basking sharks exhibit two main behaviors during migration: shallow epipelagic occupancy on or near the continental shelf, and movements throughout the mesopelagic zone in offshore waters. While offshore, the sharks display strong diel vertical migration (DVM) that overlaps with primary and secondary deep scattering layers, particularly in the southern Sargasso Sea. The findings suggest basking sharks likely forage throughout their large-scale migrations rather than relying primarily on energy stores, and may regularly target prey biomass in deeper, non-migratory prey layers below the primary deep scattering layer. This highlights the ecological importance of mesopelagic prey for basking sharks during migration.
Source
bskyBasking sharks feed during migration by diving into deep scattering layers in the Northwest Atlanticjournals.plos.orgKey quotes
· 5 pulledOur results suggest basking sharks likely forage throughout these large-scale migrations, rather than relying primarily on energy stores as has been suggested for other highly migratory shark species.
We also suggest that basking sharks may regularly target prey biomass in a deeper, often non-migratory prey layer below the primary deep scattering layer.
These findings highlight the potential ecological importance of mesopelagic prey for basking sharks during migration and contribute to growing recognition of the ecosystem services supported by deep-pelagic food webs within and beyond the primary deep scattering layer.
While offshore, vertical habitat use was characterized by a strong diel vertical migration (DVM) that overlapped with primary and secondary deep scattering layers, particularly in the southern Sargasso Sea.
Long-distance migrations allow animals to exploit seasonal prey opportunities and track favorable oceanographic conditions.
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