Code of Conduct
This code of conduct is from the Shark Trust. Their European Basking Shark
Photo-Identification Project (EBSPiP) receives basking shark images from all
around Europe. This information is being used to identify individual basking
sharks. It is hoped that this will enable scientists to identify individual
basking shark's migratory movements. If you would like full details of how to
photograph useful basking shark images and contribute them to EBSPiP please
contact them. The basking shark code of conduct below is from their leaflet. It
is wise to adhere to it for legal reasons, for your own safety and to avoid
undue stress to the basking sharks.
A snorkeller with a feeding basking shark off Niarbyl, Isle of Man,
Do not approach the shark, let it come to you!
This picture was taken from a kayak.
Picture: Shane Stigant.
The Law.
The Isle of Man was the first place in the British Isles to protect basking
sharks. Under the Manx Wildlife Act 1990 it is illegal to kill, injure or catch
basking sharks. It is also an offence to disturb basking sharks or to damage or
obstruct access to an area used by basking sharks for shelter or protection. It
is illegal to kill, injure, or to recklessly disturb basking sharks in British
waters under section 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Boat Control near Basking Sharks.
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Restrict your speed to below 6 knots and avoid sudden speed changes.
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Do not approach closer than 100m.
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When closer than 100m switch the engine to neutral to avoid injuring sharks.
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Avoid disturbing dense groups of sharks as you may disrupt courtship behaviour.
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Do not approach areas where basking sharks have been observed breaching.
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Jet-skis are incompatible with basking sharks and should stay at least 500m
away.
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Remember, for every shark visible on the surface there are likely to be more
hidden just below.
This is why you should keep your boat engine in neutral when basking sharks are
around!
This shark was injured off the Isle of Man and was spotted several times in
early July.
Tips.
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Take time to observe the direction of movement of the basking sharks then
quietly position the vessel alongside their anticipated course for a safe and
enjoyable view.
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If you find basking sharks close to your vessel switch your engine to neutral,
remain calm and quiet and enjoy a close view of these magnificent animals until
they move away. Don't forget to take photographs!
Swimming with Basking Sharks.
One very big basking shark with a very small human swimmer
behind. Basking sharks may be harmless in as much that they eat plankton but
they are very large, powerful animals. Follow the advice below and think
carefully before swimming with them!
Picture:Pauline Oliver.
It is not advisable to swim with basking sharks, both for your
safety and for the safety of the sharks. If you do decide to enter the water
please take note of the following precautions.
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Do not try to touch the sharks.
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Maintain a distance of greater than 4m from each basking shark and be wary of
the tail.
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Avoid entering the water if visibility is less than 4m.
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Groups of swimmers must stay together and ideally remain at the surface.
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Restrict the numbers of swimmers in the water at any time to 4.
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Avoid flash photography as this can scare the sharks.
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Do not use underwater-propelled devices.
It is very important to avoid the basking shark's large tail! This is a large,
powerful animal, it could injure you as it swims past. This shark was off
Bradda Head, Isle of Man.
Picture: Maura Mitchell.
Try to anticipate the direction of movement of the basking sharks and enter the
water 100m ahead of the group. Stay calm and still at the water's surface and
you may be lucky enough to see this enigmatic giant as it swims past. Make like
a piece of drifting seaweed and you might get lucky. DO NOT FIN HARD AND SPLASH
AROUND.
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