Basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) in Canadian Pacific Waters: recovery strategy: chapter 17
9. Measuring Progress
Studies to determine current population structure and species distribution are important components necessary to assess future impacts to population growth and recovery. While it is unlikely that these information gaps will be addressed completely prior to action planning, these studies will contribute to an improved understanding of anthropogenic and ecological processes affecting the Pacific population of Basking Shark. Because of the long-term nature of this recovery strategy, and particularly the population and distribution objectives, the timelines in the performance measures listed below represent benchmarks at which evaluations of progress towards meeting the objectives will be undertaken. Performance measures for each population and distribution objective are outlined in Table 5 below.
| Population & Distribution Objective | Performance Measures |
|---|---|
| Objective 1: Maintain the current abundance of Basking Sharks. |
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| Objective 2: Attain positive population growth of Basking Sharks within 15-20 years. |
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| Objective 3: Attain increase in Basking Shark aggregations (two or more sharks). |
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| Objective 4: Maintain distribution of Basking Sharks. |
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11 Reliable sightings would include those from aerial surveys as well as confirmed sightings reported to the Basking Shark Sightings Network.
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