Basking shark
Common Name: Basking shark
Scientific Name: *Cetorhinus maximus
Description: The basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) is the second-largest living shark and fish, after the whale shark, and one of three plankton-eating shark species, along with the whale shark and megamouth shark. Adults typically reach 7.9 m (26 ft) in length. It is usually greyish-brown, with mottled skin. The caudal fin has a strong lateral keel and a crescent shape.
OSPAR Regions where it occurs: I, II, III, IV, V
OSPAR Regions where under threat and/or in decline: I, II, III, IV, V
What is the latest status of the basking shark?
The status assessment describes the latest changes in distribution, abundance and range of the feature, as well as any changes in the threats and pressures impacting the feature. The status assessments are updated regularly and inform OSPAR’s consideration of the effectiveness of the measures and actions that have been adopted and implemented by Contracting Parties.
Why is this feature included on the OSPAR List? |  | |||
What protective measures and actions has OSPAR committed to taking? |  |  | ||
What actions have been implemented by OSPAR? |
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Key message
There is no evidence to suggest that the current status of the basking shark has changed as compared to the previous assessment. Although management and conservation measures have been developed, the current population status is still unknown. Moreover, international coordination of measures is still needed.
Distribution
Basking sharks inhabit boreal to warm-temperate waters of the continental and insular shelves circumglobally (Sims 2008). In the Northeast Atlantic, basking sharks are present from Iceland and the southern Barents Sea southwards to the Mediterranean Sea and northwest Africa (ICES 2019a) with aggregation sites around the UK and Ireland. Transatlantic and transequatorial migrations, as well as movements into tropical areas and mesopelagic depths, have been shown (Braun et al. 2018, Dewar et al. 2018, Gore et al. 2008, Skomal et al. 2009).
For more information please visit our latest status assessment
Threats and Impacts
Fins and livers of basking sharks were historically in demand and were highly valued on the market (ICES 2019a). The biomass, and revenue, of fins being landed in Norway decreased between 2005 and 2008 (ICES 2019c). There is currently no targeted fishery for basking sharks in the Northeast Atlantic.
For more information please visit our latest status assessment
Measures that address key pressures from human activities or conserve the species/habitat
There are international measures that address fisheries (EU Prohibited species list), finning (EU Finning Regulation), trade (CITES listing) and conservation (CMS), as well as national measures in Norway, the Isle of Man and the UK (e.g. a designated site for basking sharks has been established in waters off the west coast of Scotland; STECF 2019). Basking shark is listed as a prohibited species for EU vessels in all waters, and it is forbidden for EU vessels to fish for, retain on board, tranship, land, store, sell, display, or offer to sell this species. Further, it is prohibited for non-EU countries to fish for the species in EU waters. NEAFC has implemented a recommendation for this species: Rec. 8/2020 (2020-2023). This prohibits directed fishing and states that any bycatch must be promptly released alive.
For more information please visit our latest status assessment
