| Study into secret life of basking sharks | |
|  | | Basking sharks are under threat |
| | Volunteers from Devon are to join a nationwide study into the behaviour of the basking shark.
Little is known about the undersea life of the second largest fish in the world. |
| | | A nationwide survey is being carried out to discover more about the secret life of the largest shark found in UK waters.
The basking shark study will be based on a 39ft yacht, which will sail around the coast, including Devon, Cornwall, South Wales, North Wales, Ireland and the Western Isles of Scotland.
The project aims to develop knowledge and understanding of the basking shark in order to ensure its future safety and population growth.
Its favourite locations will be identified, and researchers will study individual specimens to examine behaviour and record their movement.
The study is being carried out by a small crew of conservationists from The Wildlife Trusts together with volunteers from all over the country.
 | | Researchers will study the behaviour of basking sharks |
Little is known about the basking shark's activities, which makes effective conservation very difficult.
Without accurate population numbers and an awareness of their behaviour, it is difficult to help this internationally endangered species and to ensure that it is safe from harm in UK waters.
Basking shark populations in the UK have been decimated in the past century by over-hunting and they have still not recovered.
It's thought that numbers plummeted because of the high value of the species' gigantic dorsal fin, a delicacy in the Far East.
Whilst hunting is now banned, the basking shark is still at risk from a variety of other threats, including collisions with boats, entanglement in fishing nets and changes in sea temperatures due to climate change.
Basking sharks measure anything up to 12 metres and weigh up to seven tonnes - larger and heavier than a double-decker bus.
 | | The basking shark is the second largest fish in the world |
Colin Speedie, conservationist and skipper of the survey vessel, said: "We cannot afford to ignore the presence of this majestic creature in our waters if we are to ensure its survival for the future.
"The survey will undertake crucial work to help the basking shark whilst providing many volunteers throughout the UK the opportunity to observe marine wildlife at close quarters."
The study is backed by the Heritage Lottery Fund which for the first time is providing direct support for the priority species listed in the UK's Biodiversity Action Plan.
"Like so much of our marine heritage, we still have a lot to learn about these incredible creatures," said Corinna Woodall, Heritage Lottery Fund policy and research officer.
"Through this project we hope that we will begin to understand much more about them and support the efforts to save basking sharks from the threat of extinction."
First published: 4th July 2003
| | | |
|
| | Weather |  | | Monthly statistics, features and information. |
| E-cards |  | | Send an e-postcard of glorious Devon to a friend. |
| In Pictures |  | | Browse through our vast selection of photo galleries. |
BBC Devon
Broadcasting House
Seymour Road
Plymouth
PL3 5BD
(+44) 01752 229201
devon.online@bbc.co.uk
|
|
