Basking Shark

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They are approximately the size and weight of a double-decker bus!
Basking Shark

The basking shark is Britain’s largest fish, growing up to 11 metres long and weighing up to seven tonnes – about the size and weight of a double-decker bus! We used to see lots of basking sharks in our waters, but they are considered to be endangered in UK waters after being hunted for their liver oil in the past.

Now they are protected, but as their numbers are increasing, they still face threats of getting tangled in fishing line, disturbance at their surface feeding sites and illegal fishing for their valuable fins. By finding out more about these spectacular animals, we will have a better idea of how to protect them.

Activity
You can take part in the Marine Conservation Society’s (MCS) Basking Shark Watch programme! If you are lucky enough to spot one of these gentle giants, MCS would love to hear from you. Simply report your sightings by visiting their website.

Photo Credit: © Copyright Jeremy Stafford Deitsch

www.mcsuk.org