The events coincide with an international basking shark workshop, which will be hosted by Manx Basking Shark Watch and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, between Sunday (August 2) and next Thursday, August 6.

Tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday there will be educational activities, life-size models of basking sharks and experts on hand to talk about basking sharks and other marine life at the Erin Arts Centre between midday and 5pm.

The Marine Conservation Society's The Cool Seas Roadshow will also be introducing visitors to marine life through life-size inflatable whales, dolphins, sharks, turtles, seals and porpoises.

On Saturday evening, international film-makers Nick Caloyianis and Clarita Berger will be showing two of their award-winning shark films. They will also be talking about making films about sharks and shark conservation. The event starts at the Erin Arts Centre at 8pm.

A seminar about sea turtles in the British Isles will take place at the Erin Arts Centre next Thursday (August 6) at 8pm. Hosted by Peter Richardson from the Marine Conservation Society, it will be a chance to find out about Leatherback turtles, which are occasionally seen around the Island.

Meanwhile, experts from all over the world are expected at the scientific event, Basking Sharks: A Global Perspective. It follows four years of groundbreaking research by MBSW.

There will be presentations and discussions on a range of issues, including conservation, tagging, photo-identification and foraging.

Delegates will also have the chance to go basking shark watching on a boat trip or attend a technical workshop for basking shark researchers.

The first evening of the conference, featuring films and talks by local basking shark experts, is open for non-delegates to attend.

For more information and to book on the conference or the open evening contact Fiona Gell at fiona.gell@gov.im or phone 843109/695738.

www.manxbaskingsharkwatch.com