Basking Shark Welfare and Boat Disturbance

Basking sharks visit UK waters in summer to feed on zooplankton — boat disturbance, strike injuries, and entanglement in fishing gear cause welfare harm to these giants of the northeast Atlantic.

Key Facts

Basking sharks can reach 12 metres in length — the second largest fish in the world
They filter plankton at surface with mouths agape, making them vulnerable to boats
Propeller strikes cause lacerations that are often fatal
Basking sharks are protected in UK waters under the Wildlife and Countryside Act
Cornwall and the Hebrides are key aggregation areas

Welfare Considerations

Basking shark welfare is threatened by the intersection of their surface feeding behaviour with boat traffic. Propeller strikes cause catastrophic lacerations to fins and body. Entanglement in fishing gear restricts movement and can cause drowning. Repeated boat approach causes surface avoidance behaviour that disrupts feeding during the critical summer feeding period. Wildlife watching codes requiring 100-metre distances are direct welfare interventions. Strict enforcement of approach distances by wildlife watching operators is needed.

What You Can Do

Maintain 100-metre distance from basking sharks when on the water
Report basking shark sightings to The Shark Trust for population monitoring
Support The Shark Trust boat approach code campaigning
Advocate for increased marine enforcement of basking shark protection