Basking Shark Threats Human impacts disproportionately affect basking sharks, due to being long lived, slow growing and producing few young. Although Basking Sharks are now one of the most heavily protected sharks in UK and EU waters, they continue to face threats from human activities: ENTANGLEMENT Basking Sharks easily become entangled in fishing nets and ropes. Unless fishermen are on hand to quickly release them, they often die. Although some do manage to disentangle themselves. You can sometimes see scarring and abrasions caused by nets on their dorsal fin. BOAT-STRIKE Propeller and boat strikes remain a serious danger for Basking Sharks. Particularly in summer months when they're feeding at the surface. Basking Sharks rarely evade approaching boats. So it's common for them to have scarring and sometimes horrific injuries from collisions. HARASSMENT Basking Sharks are very sensitive to disturbance and harassment by people. In all the excitement of seeing Basking Sharks, boats and jet-ski's often end up striking them. As well as causing physical harm, water-users can also disrupt their natural behaviour. Such as feeding, courting and mating.► Download our Code of Conduct (pdf) FISHERIES Basking Shark fisheries worldwide have all but collapsed. Although in some parts of the world they continue, driven by demand for shark fins. Basking Sharks are also still caught as bycatch in nets intended for other species.Find Out How You Can Help Basking Sharks Related Links: ► Find out more about our Basking Shark Project► About Basking Sharks► Basking Shark Conservation Manage Cookie Preferences