Basking sharks are still under threat in UK waters, despite being an internationally recognised endangered species with legal protection. This is the conclusion of two new reports by The Wildlife Trusts and Natural England, which highlight the potential benefits of marine-protected areas for conserving mobile animals.
The two reports - launched in Plymouth today - are the culmination of more than eight years’ boat-based study of the UK’s largest fish. The reports identify basking shark hotspots – places where sharks congregate at the surface - revealing a remarkable change in shark distribution over the study period with a marked decline in sightings in the south west of England.
To date it has been difficult to identify practical measures to address these threats and ensure the survival and recovery of basking sharks in UK seas. However, the conclusion is now clear: appropriate protection of basking shark hotspots may be critical to the survival of this threatened animal.
The Marine Bill is due to introduce Marine Conservation Zones, a new type of marine protected area. The potential for Marine Conservation Zones to contribute to basking shark conservation should be explored as a matter of urgency, say The Wildlife Trusts.
Joan Edwards, head of marine policy for The Wildlife Trusts, said: “Few countries can boast the number of basking shark sightings recorded in the UK each year but the sad fact is that no more than a few hundred sharks remain to visit UK waters each summer. To date it has been difficult to identify practical measures to address the threats they face and ensure basking shark survival and recovery.
“However, we welcome the Marine Bill and expect it to have marine planning at its heart, giving much stronger protection to marine wildlife.
“Including measures to designate and conserve nationally-important marine wildlife sites, including highly-protected marine reserves, should halt the demise of a range of UK marine species and habitats and help to protect them for the future.”
Colin Speedie, the skipper and project leader, said: “We need to see Marine Conservation Zones set up to help rebuild healthy seas in order that UK waters can truly support the marine life once common off our shores. Though the basking shark is now protected from hunting, less obvious threats still remain. These giants are regularly killed in nets and, as leisure boating increases, there are more collisions with vessels in some of the busier areas off UK coasts.”
Roger Covey, senior marine specialist for Natural England, said “Despite its huge size and gaping mouth, this seasonal visitor to our coastal waters, is a gentle giant. Whilst basking sharks can eventually grow up to the length of a double-decker bus, their numbers have declined – we must reverse this trend if we are to protect these majestic creatures.
“Results of the study suggests that establishing site specific protection measures for the species should now be considered - particularly in key sites like The Lizard peninsula and the Land’s End peninsula where higher levels of surface sightings are recorded and breeding populations regularly frequent.”