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 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

Shark Shorts

The Shark Trust's short animated video series explaining the basics of what sharks are and what we can do to protect them
What is a Shark?

In this video we answer the very important question - what is a Shark? We dive into the differences between Sharks and other fish, and how other (unexpected) animals are also predators in the ocean.
Comparing Sharks

In this video we compare some of the different Sharks that occur across the world. From the ones we all know, like the Great White, to the weird and wonderful like the Wobbegong Sharks.
Caring for Sharks

What impact do Sharks have in our oceans? In this video we dive into how we value Sharks and why they're important.

Great Eggcase Hunt

Find and record empty shark eggcases that have washed up on the beach. Eggcase hunting is great fun for all ages! Click here to find everything you need to get started.
The Great Shark Snapshot

The Great Shark Snapshot is a community science project where divers will be asked to look at global shark and ray distribution during the last week of July
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 FACTS:

CODE OF CONDUCT

SHARK SIGHTINGS DATABASE

PHOTO-ID DATABASE

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