Exploitation, Law and Conservation
Introduction.
BIG NEWS! November 2005: Basking sharks were added to the Bonn Convention on Migratory Species and as a result the North Atlantic Fisheries Commision recommend that there be NO FISHING FOR BASKING SHARKS in the North Atlantic. This was initiated by the MCS to whom all our Isle of Man data is sent.
Unfortunately for the basking shark it has long been a fishery target as its one-ton liver is exceedingly rich in commercially valuable oils, and its enormous fins are used in Chinese sharks'-fin soup. Targeted basking shark fisheries still exist and huge numbers of basking sharks are accidentally caught in fishing nets worldwide [10]. These accidental basking shark catches are often de-finned as the sharks’ fins command large prices. This photograph by Michael Craine, is of a basking shark that was accidentally trapped in nets off the Isle of Man. It was released but later died.
Apparently a whole basking shark was recently displayed ready for sale in a French supermarket. Pictures of this were displayed on the web! Basking sharks grow to maturity late and breed slowly. These magnificent creatures are an important part of the complex ecology of temperate seas and should be protected. Laws may protect these magnificent animals in parts of the world but deep-rooted attitudes need to change before their world-wide exploitation can be effectively halted.
Dried basking shark fins are used to make sharks'-fin soup. The enormous dorsal fin can command huge prices in oriental fish markets.
Picture: Marine Conservation Society.
Next section (basking sharks and the law).