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BASKING SHARKS ARE PROTECTED BY LAW

Under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) it is illegal to intentionally capture, disturb or harass a basking shark in British waters.  For further information, go to the basking shark protection page.

Boat control near basking sharks

Take time to observe the direction of movement of the basking sharks and then quietly position the vessel alongside their anticipated course for a safe and enjoyable view.

• Restrict speed to below 6 knots and avoid sudden speed changes.
  
• Do not approach closer than 100m.
  
• If closer than 100m switch the engine to neutral
  
• Avoid disturbing dense groups as you may disrupt courtship behaviour.
  
• Do not approach areas where basking sharks have been observed breaching.
  
• Jet-skis are incompatible with basking sharks and should stay at least 500m away.
  
• Remember. for every shark visible on the surface there are likely to be more hidden just below.

Swimming/ Diving with basking sharks

It is not advisable to swim with basking sharks, both for your safety and the safety of the sharks. If you do decide to enter the water please take note of the following precautions:

• Do not try to touch the sharks.
  
• Maintain a distance of greater than 4m from each basking shark and be wary of the tail.
  
• Groups of swimmers must stay together and ideally remain at the surface.
  
• Avoid entering the water if the visibility is less than 4m.
  
• Restrict the number of swimmers in the water at any time to 4.
  
• Avoid flash photography as this can scare the sharks.
  
• Do not use underwater propelled devices.

If you see anyone intentionally disturbing or harassing basking sharks or other marine wildlife, please report the incident to a local Police Wildlife Liaison Officer (every Force has one) with details such as boat type and registration - photos or video footage could also be invaluable. MCS is working with the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) marine enforcement group to promote reporting of harassment incidents and raise awareness that reckless and intentional disturbance of protected marine life is an offence.