Basking Sharks in UK waters

Basking Sharks are the UK’s largest shark species. Long lived, slow growing and producing only a few offspring Basking Sharks are very susceptible to exploitation. Historically overfished, their population has collapsed and this shark is now listed as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN’s Redlist.

Protected Species

Despite protection under CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), CMS (the Convention on Migratory Species) and Wildlife and Countryside Act, Basking Sharks continue to be negatively affected by the actions of man.

The effects of man

Coastal waters are used and enjoyed by many different groups and the incredibly high number of commercial and recreational ventures means that Basking Sharks cannot fail to be affected by them.

Impacts

The negative impacts of boat strike, fisheries and bycatch can range from the extreme (Image 1) to those which have only a limited effect on the shark (Image 2). These impacts are rarely recorded; however anecdotal evidence suggests it to be a serious issue affecting many sharks.

Basking sharks can be affected by:

Rope entanglement
Net entanglement
Propellers/collisions
Harassment

Understanding the Impacts

In order to establish appropriate management regimes it is essential that the extent of these impacts are understood.

How you can help

The Shark Trust, in conjunction with the Marine Conservation Society and the Wildlife Trusts, is requesting boat operators and members of the public report instances of damaged or dead shark in order to better understand this problem:
Use the Photo-Id Submission Form to submit photographs or records of Basking Sharks negatively affected by man's actions.
If you come across a stranded Basking Shark please call the UK Cetaceans Strandings Project on 0207 449 6672.
Adopt a Basking Shark through the Shark Trust.
Spread the word - send an e-card