Basking Shark Welfare: Ocean Giants and Fishing Entanglement

Basking sharks are the world's second-largest fish and a spectacular sight in UK waters. Their welfare faces threats from entanglement, vessel strikes, and historical overfishing.

Key Facts

Basking sharks can reach 12 metres and filter 2,000 tonnes of water per hour for zooplankton
They are seasonally abundant in UK waters between May and October
Basking shark populations collapsed due to liver oil hunting in the mid-20th century
They are fully protected in UK waters since 1998
Entanglement in salmon nets and creel lines causes significant welfare harm
Vessel strikes are a welfare concern as sharks swim slowly at the surface while feeding

Welfare Considerations

Basking shark welfare reflects both historical exploitation and current threats. Historical hunting for liver oil decimated UK populations and recovery has been slow. Entanglement in fishing gear causes distress, injury, and drowning in surface-swimming animals. Vessel strikes from boats not watching for surface-feeding sharks cause blunt trauma injuries. Their full protection since 1998 has been a genuine welfare improvement. Ocean warming reducing zooplankton can force sharks to travel further and expend more energy to find food.

What You Can Do

Report basking shark entanglement to BDMLR or Marine Conservation Society
Slow down boats when basking sharks are visible at the surface
Support the Marine Conservation Society basking shark sightings scheme
Advocate for maintained UK protection of basking sharks
Donate to research on basking shark population recovery and welfare