DAFF (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) is calling for boat users to exercise particular caution in Manx coastal waters after a number of serious disturbance incidents and basking shark injuries have been reported in recent days.

Water users are asked to cut their speeds and keep their eyes open as soon as they become aware of basking sharks nearby to avoid collisions with this endangered species.

Basking sharks often swim with their dorsal fins just below the surface and often don’t respond to approaching vessels by moving away so it is the responsibility of boat users to take extra care to avoid injury.

A recently injured basking shark was photographed just off Peel Bay last weekend. The injury is likely to have been caused by a boat propeller and these accidents need to be avoided in future to protect basking sharks.

With the Isle of Man a global hotspot for basking sharks, Island residents and visitors have a special responsibility to protect this magnificent animal while it is in Manx waters.

Around the Isle of Man the South West coasts are most often used by basking sharks and areas of high basking shark activity include Port Erin Bay, Peel Bay, Niarbyl and the Sound. Please take extra care in these areas to avoid disturbing or injuring basking sharks.

Jetskis and Powerboats - Legal Warning

Jetskis and fast powerboats are most likely to have a negative impact on basking sharks and people operating those crafts are asked to moderate their speed in hotspot areas and when basking sharks have been recently seen.

Reckless or intentional injury and disturbance of basking sharks is an offence in Manx waters and this is something which is being taken very seriously.

This year, the Police have been investigating three incidents of basking shark disturbance and one formal caution has been issued to a vessel skipper.

Prosecution for basking shark disturbance or injury under the Wildlife Act could result in a fine of up to ?5000 and a criminal record.

This summer, an MSc student from the University of York, Jack Clarke, is carrying out a project to assess the effects of boats on basking sharks.

Armed with a long-lens camera and video camera, he is undertaking watches of basking shark hotspots around the Island and this information will help DAFF protect the basking sharks in future.