Basking Shark Project 2024 report

REPORT 2024

© LUKAS LAUER

BASKING SHARK PROJECT ABOUT THE PROJECT Despite being the second largest fish in the ocean, there’s still so much we don’t know about this charismatic species. That’s why we

BASKING SHARK HOTSPOTS

continue to collect information on this Endangered shark. The Shark Trust’s Basking Shark project is a great way for citizen scientists to get involved with Basking Shark conservation. By being on the look-out for HEBRIDES (SKYE)

them from around April through to October (Basking Shark season), you can help us learn more about these graceful giants. If you spot one,

HEBRIDES (MULL)

make sure to submit your sighting(s) to us.

You can record your sightings through our Shark Log Sightings

MALIN HEAD

Database and the Basking Shark Project. We can then share the information submitted to us by members of the public with researchers

IRELAND

ISLE OF MAN

and other conservation organisations, to further Basking Shark conservation efforts. To submit a record you can use our online recording form, or our mobile app (see page 2 for more info).

In the Northeast Atlantic, Basking Sharks are already highly protected under fisheries and wildlife legislation. Despite this, they remain vulnerable to human activities, including disturbance by water-users and getting struck by boats. This is why we developed our Basking Shark Code of Conduct (see page 4). Following this will help to ensure a safe and positive encounter for both water-users and Basking Sharks.

SOUTHWEST ENGLAND

To increase your chances of seeing a Basking Shark, you can visit one of these well-known hotspots.

BASKING SHARK SIGHTINGS COLLECTING VITAL DATA

If you spot a Basking Shark please report your sighting to us, with as much information as possible. If you have a photo please submit this too so we can verify your record.

To identify a Basking Shark feeding at the surface, the key thing to look out for is three points that break the surface: the snout, the dorsal fin, and the caudal fin.

Check out our new Basking Shark Project logo, showing these three points above the surface!

SIGHTINGS 2024 In 2024, 19 reports, accounting for 146 individual sharks, were submitted to the Shark Trust from around the UK and Ireland.

Despite the increased number of sharks sighted this year compared with recent years, the number of people submitting to the Basking Shark Project has actually decreased particularly from around Southwest England. This could be due to a number of reasons: changes in Basking Shark range and/or behaviour (with them potentially being deeper in the water and not being as visible at the surface), people not reporting sightings at all, or not reporting sightings to us but via other recording platforms.

We are aiming to unpick these factors over the next few years, so please help us by reporting any Basking Sharks that you see! If you’ve gone out looking for Basking Sharks in a known hotspot, but don’t see any, that is important information too!

19

146

REPORTS

SHARKS

146 114

SHETLAND BASKING SHARK HOTSPOTS

THANK YOU for supporting our Basking Shark Project.

RECORD your sighting and find out more about the project at baskingsharks.org Or submit your sighting using our SHARK TRUST CITIZEN SCIENCE APP. Scan the QR code to download the app, or search ‘Shark Trust’ in the app store.

69

PLUS NUMBER OF BASKING SHARKS REPORTED

10

16 reported elsewhere around the UK & Ireland

HEBRIDES AND WESTERN SCOTLAND

47 14

2020 2021 282 2022

115

2023 ISLE OF MAN

IRELAND

5 SOUTHWEST ENGLAND

2024 Thanks to everyone who has submitted their sightings.

We look forward to seeing, and hearing, about your shark encounters in 2025!

BASKING SHARKS IN FOCUS - 2025 REINVIGORATING BASKING SHARK SIGHTINGS

© CHARLES HOOD

Working with the community During the 2025 season, we’d love for you all to help us promote the Basking Shark Project. Last year, you helped us raise vital funds though the Green Match Fund, which we’ll be using to help further profile the Basking Shark Project and re-invigorate public engagement with this project.

being recorded to the project. We’re aiming to increase the profile of this project and to work more closely with others who document Basking Shark sightings (whether through surveys or via citizen science observations), to ensure people know what to look for and where to report them.

Since 2014, the number of Basking Sharks being reported to the Shark Trust has dropped considerably. There has been a noticable shift in Basking Shark movements towards Scotland and now on to Ireland. However there are still sharks being sighted around Southwest England and the rest of the UK that aren’t

So keep an eye out for sightings posters and stickers along with social media posts - if you’re happy to, please share them and help us reach a wider audience! If you’d like any sightings posters or Code of Conducts to promote recording and safe interactions then get in touch sightings@sharktrust.org

Following a Basking Shark Forum we hosted at the start of the year, we’re working with the wider scientific community to try and centralise Basking Shark sightings data held by different organisations.

We’re looking at the best ways for data to be standardised so it can be maximised to it’s full potential, and also how it can be presented in a visual format to help show the bigger picture for Basking Shark movements across their range.

But we still need you! Keep your eyes peeled and report any Basking Sharks you’re lucky enough to see. And spread the word! Tell your friends and family to keep an eye out and keep those records coming our way!

CODE OF CONDUCT

INFORMATION & CONTACTS

Basking Sharks are very sensitive to disturbance and harassment by people.

In all the excitement of seeing Basking Sharks, it can be tempting to get a closer look. But, tour operator boats, small motor boats, jet-skis and even unmotorised crafts such as kayaks or SUPs could end up striking them if they get too close. As well as causing physical harm, water-users can also disrupt their natural behaviour - such as feeding, courting and mating.

BOAT TOURS Thinking of going on a boat tour to see Basking Sharks? We recommend seeking out a WiSe accredited tour operator.

The Wildlife Safe (WiSe) scheme provides training and accreditation for tour operators. Advising them on how to best view and interact with large marine wildlife, while minimising disturbance. To find a WiSe accredited tour operator visit www.wisescheme.org.

If you witness disturbance or harassment of a Basking Shark, please report it to the National Wildlife Crime Unit immediately. For more information visit the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit website www.nwcu.police.uk.

STRANDED SHARKS

Despite often being called ‘gentle giants’, Basking Sharks can be the size and weight of a bus, have strong powerful tails, and can breach out of the water with little to no warning. They warrant respect. It’s illegal to intentionally disturb or harass Basking Sharks in UK and Irish waters. Anyone doing so could face up to six months in prison and a large fine.

BASKING SHARK

CODE OF CONDUCT Guidelines to help water-users reduce the risk of injuring or harassing Basking Sharks.

DID YOU KNOW?

GENERAL ADVICE

REMEMBER!

Do not approach within 100m.

If you encounter Basking Sharks be aware:

Although mostly placid, Basking Sharks can startle if disturbed, often thrashing their tail with enormous power.

Be extremely cautious in areas where Basking Sharks have been seen breaching.

●Avoid pairs or large numbers of sharks following each other closely.

This may be courting behaviour and they should not be disturbed.

Maintain a distance of at least 500m.

SWIMMERS, DIVERS & SURFERS:

Observe which direction they’re swimming. Then quietly position yourself alongside their anticipated course for a safe and enjoyable view. Wait for them to come to you.

KAYAKS & SUP’S: 4m

If you find a live stranded shark contact:

Maintain a distance of at least 4m and be wary of the tail Do not touch the sharks Do not swim towards them if they are near you

England or Wales - the British Divers Marine Life Rescue: 01825 765546 (Monday to Friday 9-5pm) or 07787433412 Scotland - the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA): 03000 999 999

For every shark visible on the surface there are likely to be more hidden below.

Basking Sharks are legally protected in the UK. It’s illegal to intentionally kill, injure, recklessly disturb or harass Basking Sharks in British waters.

Any person committing such an offence could face up to 6 months in prison and a large fine.

Ideally, swimmers should remain on the surface – stay in a group, rather than spreading out around the sharks No more than 4 people in the water within 100m of a shark at any time

Never paddle directly towards the sharks or allow several kayaks to surround them – this could make them dive or act unpredictably Remain calm and quiet – avoid sudden movements which will disturb the sharks Stay in a group, rather than spreading out around the sharks

BOAT USERS:

6

knots

For dead stranded sharks contact the Cetacean Stranding’s Investigation Programme (CSIP): 0800 6520333.

Never chase a shark or direct a vessel towards them – this could make them dive or act unpredictably When sharks are sighted, restrict speed to below 6 knots and/or operate under sail

Try not to cross their path so the sharks can maintain their course without changing direction or speed Never use your paddle or kayak to touch a shark

When closer than 100m, switch the engine to neutral to avoid injuring sharks Avoid sudden changes in speed Do not allow several vessels to surround the shark(s) Jet-skis should not approach Basking Sharks

Don’t forget to take pictures of the fins for the Photo-ID Project and record your sighting.

baskingsharks.org | sharktrust.org

© CHARLES HOOD

BASKING SHARKS IN DISTRESS

Follow the Code of Conduct so you can enjoy watching Basking Sharks safely and ensure a positive, safe experience for both you and the shark.