As many people will already be aware, basking sharks have now started to arrive off the Isle of Man coast.
Every summer, from mid-May to the end of August, the Isle of Man is a basking shark ‘hotspot’. Over 200 sightings have been reported to Manx Basking Shark Watch since 2nd May, with most animals being spotted from locations between Peel and the Sound.
The Departments of Tourism and Leisure, and Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, are actively supporting the efforts of the Manx Basking Shark Watch.
Minister for Tourism and Leisure, Martyn Quayle MHK said 'My Department is pleased to be able to support the 2009 survey work to the sum of ?4,000. Wildlife Tourism is estimated to be worth ?30 billion per annum, with 3 million people per year taking a holiday specifically to view wildlife.
'Basking sharks are an iconic species and if managed responsibly could be a significant attraction for visitors to the Isle of Man.'
Basking sharks, which can grow up to 12 metres long, are listed as an endangered species, with an estimated 8,200 living animals. The shark feeds on plankton, so when the sea is calm and plankton concentrates near the surface of the sea, they are easily spotted from the shoreline.
Up to ?5,000 Fine for Harming Sharks
Basking sharks are amongst the marine life protected in Manx law from disturbance or harassment and great care should be taken when watching them. Anyone choosing to see animals from boats rather than shore should look for 'WiSe' accredited boat operators who have been trained to minimise disruption to marine wildlife.
Basking sharks are protected under the 1990 Wildlife Act and it is an offence to intentionally kill, injure or recklessly disturb a basking shark. Anyone found guilty of these offences can face a fine of up to ?5000. To help reduce the possibility of people harming marine wildlife, there are codes of conduct available from the Wildlife and Conservation Division of DAFF.
The Manx public and visitors are also encouraged to report their observations of disturbance and concerns to the Marine Wildlife and Conservation Officers of DAFF and if harassment is observed the Police Wildlife Crime Officers should be contacted as soon as possible.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) would like to remind boat users of the guidelines for watching marine wildlife in Manx waters.
Key guidelines for boat and jetski operators include:
• Keep your speed below 6 knots and avoid sudden speed changes.
• When closer than 100m (300ft) switch the engine to neutral to avoid injuring sharks.
• Avoid disturbing close groups of sharks as you may disrupt courtship behaviour.
• Be extremely cautious in areas where basking sharks have been seen breaching.
• Jetskis are incompatible with basking sharks and should stay at least 500m away.
• Remember that for every shark visible on the surface there are likely to be more hidden just below.
• When in doubt, always give way to basking sharks!
Fast craft and basking sharks do not mix and a collision could end in serious injury to both the basking sharks and the people involved.
There is evidence of collisions between basking sharks and fast vessels – including photographs of badly injured sharks in Manx waters - so this is a problem and we need the co-operation of all water users to reduce the risk of such incidents.
Mr Phil Gawne, MHK, Minister for the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry, comments 'The best way to see basking sharks is from vantage points around the coast. That way you can watch the sharks, safe in the knowledge that you are not impacting the day to day life of this important species.
'If you do find yourself close to basking sharks at sea, the best advice is to allow them to approach you and never pursue or harass them.
'The best wildlife watching experiences result from patience and respect for the animals you are watching.'
Report incidents of harassment to:
The Marine Wildlife and Conservation Officers of DAFF – Dr Fiona Gell & Laura Hanley, on (01624) 843109, or:
The Police Wildlife Crime officers – PC Ian Scott & PC Mark Kerruish via Peel Police Station on (01624) 842208.
For more information on Marine Protected Species and the WiSe Scheme, go to www.gov.im/daff/wildlife or www.wisescheme.org.
Pictured: Basking Shark in Manx waters with its dorsal fin sliced. Photograph by G. Hall.
