Basking Shark Project

The Basking Shark Project is a great way for you to get involved with Basking Shark conservation.

You can help us learn more about these gentle giants by being on the look-out for them during May-October (Basking Shark Season). And, if you spot one, by recording your sighting on our Shark Sightings Database.

Today, Basking Sharks are one of the most widely protected and managed sharks in UK and EU waters. Yet, surprisingly little is known about them. Partly because of the difficulty in conducting field research.

BASKING SHARK FORUM:

On February 1st the Shark Trust hosted the Basking Shark Forum 2024, the second such event following the Global Basking Shark Summit in 2009. The Forum was an online event for researchers, conservationists, tour operators and enthusiasts alike. Over the course of the day there was a mix of presentations, Q&As and discussions covering the key updates and research from the Basking Shark community from the last 15 years. The Basking Shark forum was a great success and we are excited to see how this event can encourage future collaborations, partnerships and foster new ideas

BASKING SHARK FACTS:

Basking Sharks are the 2nd biggest fish in the world!
Each year, between May and October, they visit British waters.
Basking Sharks are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Monitoring, management and further research is vital to ensure their survival.

Every year shark enthusiasts flock to UK coasts in the hope of experiencing Basking Sharks firsthand. This provides us with a fantastic opportunity to learn more about these evasive, animals.

To increase your chances of seeing a Basking Shark, you can visit these well-known hot-spots:

Hebrides (Skye)
Hebrides (Mull)
Isle of Man
Malin Head
Southwest England (Devon & Cornwall).

The more we know about Basking Sharks the better equipped we are to protect them.

We share sightings data with researchers and other conservation organisations. Working together with the aim of furthering Basking Shark conservation.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Basking Sharks are extremely vulnerable to disturbance and harassment by water users. So, as part of our Basking Shark Project, we’ve created the Basking Shark Code of Conduct. By following this, you can enjoy Basking Sharks safely, ensuring an enjoyable encounter for both you and the shark.

Remember the sheer size of a Basking Shark warrants respect and caution. It's also illegal to intentionally disturb or harass Basking Sharks in UK waters. In doing so you could face up to 6 months in prison and a large fine.

► Download our Basking Shark Code of Conduct (pdf)

SHARK SIGHTINGS DATABASE

If you spot a Basking Shark please record your sighting to us, with as much information as possible. And if you have a photo – please submit this too! That way we can verify your record.

► Download our latest Basking Shark Sightings Report (pdf)

Record Your Basking Shark Sighting

PHOTO-ID DATABASE

We've also working with research groups around the British Isles. Together we're using photo-identification to create a community database.

Photo-identification is a powerful and non-invasive field technique. Used to study animals in their natural environment.

We can identify many individual Basking Sharks by their unique fin markings. These can be natural, such as pigmentation marks. Or acquired, such as scars caused by parasites, or injuries from boats and fishing nets. With good quality photographs, we can recognise some individual sharks on re-sighting. And then match them on the photo-ID database. This enables us to find out more about their movements and estimate population size. This is especially important for vulnerable and highly migratory species like the Basking Shark.

► View the Community Photo-ID Database

Basking Shark Appeal

Help Basking Sharks in the Northeast Atlantic by donating to our Basking Shark Project.

Latest

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Shark Week is a renowned cultural phenomenon – but Plymouth is going bigger and better this summer by welcoming Shark Month to Royal William Yard this July.
#TeamSHARK take on Plymouth Half Marathon 2024

We work in shark conservation because a 1/3 of all sharks and rays are threatened with extinction. If we are able to do more, we can make sure they have a positive future! By donating, you are supporting the important work we do for sharks and rays!!
Stokes Sisters Run for Sharks

Sharks and rays are amazing. Present in our seas for 400 million years, they are vital and valuable but also vulnerable. 1/3 of all shark, skate, ray and chimaera species are threatened with extinction, largely due to the impact of unsustainable fisheries. The Shark Trust works tirelessly around the World to ensure sharks and rays are suitably protected. That's why I'm helping the Shark Trust to safeguard their future with this fundraiser. Together we can create positive change.

Great Eggcase Hunt

Want to help shark and ray conservation? Take part in the Shark Trust Great Eggcase Hunt. Find and record eggcases that have washed up on the beach. Eggcase hunting is great fun for all ages!
The Great Shark Snapshot

The Great Shark Snapshot is a community science project where divers get involved and help us look at global shark and ray distribution.
Shark Log - The Shark Sightings Database

Help us learn more about sharks, skates and rays around the world by recording your sighting(s) to our Shark Log - Shark Sightings Database.
Shark and Ray Entanglement Network

Plastic pollution affects a variety of marine species including turtles, cetaceans and seals. But little is known about the susceptibility of sharks and rays to this threat.
Angling Project

Anglers are uniquely placed to record a wide range of important information on sharks, skates and rays. Record your catch online or download our app.

BASKING SHARK FORUM:

BASKING SHARK FACTS:

CODE OF CONDUCT

SHARK SIGHTINGS DATABASE

PHOTO-ID DATABASE

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