Basking Shark

Conservation

New Campaign - Recording Anthropogenic Impacts

Basking Sharks are docile creatures and are relatively tolerant to approaches by boats and divers. This does not, however, give reason for these animals to be exploited as they have been previously, for example:

Warning To Boat Users; The Guardian, June 9th 2006 Basking shark code of conduct

It is important to record all of the negative interactions between man and Basking Sharks. The effects of rope/net entanglement and propeller/boat collisions should be recorded in order to better understand the extent of the problem

Read more about the Sharks Trust's campaign to learn more about the problem of anthropogenic impacts.

The Shark Trust and Colin Speedie have developed a Basking Shark Code of Conduct for water users to provide information and advice on how to interact with these sharks safely and with respect.

Download the Code of Conduct here:

Download "New guidance on watching marine wildlife in Scotland", an article on the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code by Fiona Manson, Scottish Natural Heritage

Read about what other conservation groups, organisations and scientists are doing to study and protect Basking Sharks, click on the logo to find out more!