Basking Shark Project
The Basking Shark Project is a great way for you to get involved with shark conservation.
During Basking Shark season these sharks can be seen at the surface in certain coastal areas (predominantly on the west coasts of Ireland, Scotland and in southwest England). This provides us with a fantastic opportunity to learn more about these elusive animals. You can help us learn more about these gentle giants by being on the look-out for them between April-October (Basking Shark season). If you spot a Basking Shark please record your sighting. If you manage to take a photo – please submit this too! That way we can verify your record.
Record your Sightings
Using the online Recording Hub
or
Please be sure to follow the Basking Shark Code of Conduct during any encounters to ensure a safe interaction for both you and the shark.
Today, Basking Sharks are one of the most widely protected and managed sharks in UK and EU waters (see threats and conservation). But there is still more to learn, and monitoring their movements can provide valuable information. The more we know about Basking Sharks the more informed conservation action can be.
The sightings data we collect is made available to researchers and other conservation organisations so we can work together to further Basking Shark conservation.
Click through to the results pages to see all sightings that have been submitted to the Basking Shark Project from 1987 to the present day. You can filter the date range and zoom in on different regions to see where Basking Sharks have been recorded.
Basking Shark Reports
Basking Shark Project Report 2025
To find out more about Basking Sharks and how you can get involved
