Isle of Man Guide

The summer season is now upon us and over 200 basking shark sightings have already been reported to Manx Basking Shark Watch from all around the Isle of Man. Basking sharks can grow to well over 30ft (10m) and as the second biggest fish in the world they are one of the Isle of Man’s best known protected species. They are also easily disturbed. As the Isle of Man is a hotspot for these amazing creatures, the Manx Government and the Island’s population have a special responsibility for protecting them.

Basking sharks are protected under the 1990 Wildlife Act and it is an offence to intentionally kill, injure or recklessly disturb a basking shark and fines of up to £5,000 can be applied. 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 & 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.

Report incidents of harassment to The Marine Wildlife and Conservation Officers of DAFF – Dr Fiona Gell & Laura Hanley, on 843109 Or the Police Wildlife Crime officers – PC Ian Scott & PC Mark Kerruish via Peel Police Station on 842208.

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