A Milestone for MAKO PAKO: Over 1,000 Sharks Recorded in the Cantabrian Sea
Several years ago, we began an adventure: to show and share the Cantabrian Sea.
Far from being just a cold, green sea, we started revealing to the public a blue ocean inhabited by unexpected and largely unknown residents—blue sharks. Our goal was clear: to bring these remarkable animals closer to people.
Today, after adding together the sightings from the season we have just closed (2025), we have reached a milestone that goes far beyond numbers:
More than 1,000 sharks sighted and recorded over the last six years.
From day one, we committed to documenting every single encounter. Over the years, this objective evolved, became more refined, and steadily grew. Today, it represents the most consistent database of blue shark (Prionace glauca) sightings—and occasional shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) records—ever obtained along the Basque coast.
More Than Sightings: Contributing to Protection
The most important thing is that these 1,000 sharks are not just a number.
They are data that help us understand this local population. They show that the Cantabrian Sea is a true hotspot for this species. They provide solid arguments for more research and stronger conservation measures. And they demonstrate that responsible tourism can be a powerful scientific tool.
These data are already being used in scientific initiatives such as the ISRA designation of Bermeo, seasonal behavior studies, long-term observations of reproductive patterns, and preliminary models of pelagic habitat use. So yes—well-designed, responsible tourism does generate science. This achievement is the result of hard work, of your trust in joining our expeditions, and of the collaboration with scientific teams who have worked alongside us. Step by step, together, we have made this possible.
And we continue—because the Cantabrian Sea still has many stories to tell.
