The co-ordinator of Manx Basking Shark Watch, Jackie Hall, is making a plea for people to take care when watching the animals in Manx waters.

Large numbers of the sharks are spotted around the Island's coastline at this time of year and there's a great deal of interest among boat owners and divers in seeing the creatures at close quarters.

However, while the vast majority of them do so responsibly, there have been recent reports of people deliberately disturbing the animals as they are feeding.

The activities of a small minority of jet-ski users are causing particular concern.

The Shark Trust in the United Kingdom has published a basking shark code of conduct and Mrs Hall is urging everybody to follow the advice when out in boats or diving near the animals (audio file attached):

Basking sharks are protected and it is illegal to deliberately disturb or recklessly injure them.
Those who do so could face six month's imprisonment or a fine of up to ?5,000.