Here's a more detailed breakdown of their habitat:
* Oceans: They are found in all the major oceans except the Arctic.
* Regions: Some common locations include the North Atlantic, Northeast Pacific, Northwest Pacific, Mediterranean Sea, and the coasts of South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
* Water depth: They are typically found in shallow to mid-depth waters, usually within the top 1000 meters (3,280 feet).
* Seasonal movements: Basking sharks exhibit seasonal movements, migrating to warmer waters during the colder months.
* Specific habitats: They prefer areas with high plankton concentrations, which they filter feed on. These areas include:
* Coastal waters: Particularly near the continental shelves where there is upwelling of nutrients.
* Estuaries: Where rivers meet the sea, creating rich nutrient-rich waters.
* Offshore waters: Especially areas with currents that bring in plankton.
It's important to remember that basking shark populations are declining globally due to overfishing, bycatch, and other threats. Their conservation is crucial to their survival.