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THE BASKING SHARK

The basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) is the second largest fish in the world after the whaleshark and is one of the largest wild creatures to regularly visit UK waters.

They can reach 11m (36 ft) in length and weigh up to 7 tonnes. However, despite their enormous size they do not pose a direct threat to humans. Although basking sharks are filter-feeders, which consume microscopic plants and animals, they also possess hundreds of tiny teeth

In the UK, the relatively large numbers of basking sharks are seen feeding or ‘basking’ in surface or shallow waters from April to September. It is usually immature females that are seen during these summer months, often off the west coast of Scotland and the central Irish Sea area.

One of the main difficulties in conserving basking sharks is our lack of knowledge about the species – such as where they go in winter and their courtship and breeding behaviour.

Accidental capture in fishing gear is a real threat to shark populations, although none are now caught commercially in the UK. Historically, basking sharks were hunted for a variety of reasons. Flesh for food, cartilage for assumed medicinal properties, liver-oil for burning and lubricants, and fins for the Asian shark fin soup trade, have and in some cases still are, the impetus behind basking shark fisheries.

Although protected in some regions, fisheries outside the UK still target the sharks, and consider these animals a lucrative form of by-catch. Basking shark products are found on sale within Europe and, so long as the import and trade does not originate from a protected region, it is legal. Therefore more protection is needed whilst so little is known of the species numbers, biology, ecology and movements.

The species is also potentially suffering from its status as a tourist attraction – with direct harassment from a curious public proving to be an increasing threat. Collisions with boats are not unusual and, although illegal in the UK, naive but deliberate disturbance is increasingly common.

The basking shark is listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List of endangered species and recently received increased international protection with a listing on CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) ensuring that its international trade is carefully monitored.

Did you know?

In order to take in enough food basking sharks must filter approximately 2,000 cubic metres of water an hour - the equivalent to an Olympic size swimming pool of water!

The only litter ever recorded in UK waters was of six young measuring from 1.5-1.7m long, which is larger than any other known shark.

Estimates of the development of the sharks suggest that males reach maturity at 12-16 years old, growing to up to 5.6m in length, whilst females normally grow to 8-10m at around 20 years of age.

How long they live is unknown but likely to be 50 years.

Basking shark fins today fetch a high market price on the Asian market and not only end up in shark fin soup, but are also displayed in restaurants as status symbols.

What can I do to help basking sharks?

You can become involved in basking shark sighting, recording and photo-identification schemes to help us learn more about these poorly understood animals. Report any sightings to the Ulster Museum, including providing a photograph were possible. Remember to record the date, location, number of animals, approximate size and other observations.

Why not take part in the Marine Conservation Society’s conservation projects for the species, such as the Basking Shark Watch Project and the Conserving Endangered Basking Sharks Project. Always follow the code of conduct on how to behave when near basking sharks to avoid disturbing or injuring them. For further details visit www.mcsuk.org

Where can I see basking sharks in Northern Ireland?

The best place to see basking sharks is the central Irish Sea area during the summer months.
From headlands on calm summer days. Early mornings and evenings can provide the best conditions to sea watch.

For more information about basking sharks

The Marine Conservation Society website at www.mcs uk.org has a selection of information on this amazing species.