You may just be lucky enough to spot one of these graceful giants in UK waters!

If you do, remember to let us know so we can record your sighting on our Basking Shark database.

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BASKING SHARK SEASON IN THE UK

Each year these mighty fish return to UK waters to feed on plankton (tiny plants and animals that get carried on ocean currents).

From May-October you may see one, or even a few, feeding at the surface of the water. Where they look like they're basking in the sun. Thus their name!

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BIG IN SIZE & APPETITE

Basking sharks are the 2nd biggest fish in the world! They can reach lengths of up to 12m. That's over 4x bigger than the world’s tallest man.

It may seem strange that such a large animal eats such tiny food. But they can eat a lot! Thanks to their very large mouths, which they almost always have wide open. They're constantly eating! Their large size and distinctive mouth make them easy to tell apart from other sharks.

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WHERE CAN YOU SEE BASKING SHARKS

Basking Sharks tend to visit our waters from May-October. But, like all animals, they're unpredicatble. They seem to prefer the waters off:

• Cornwall
• Devon
• Isles of Scilly
• Isle of Man
• West of Scotland
• North of Ireland

If you live in these areas, or are planning a trip during this time, keep your eyes peeled. Seeing one will be an experience you'll never forget. And, if you do spot one, remember to let us know.

We'll then add your Basking Shark sighting to our database. This'll help us keep track of their movements and learn more about their mysterious lives. The more we know, the better we can act to protect these giants of our seas.

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STAY SAFE

If you're going out in a boat to see Basking Sharks remember to follow our Basking Shark Code of Conduct.

Basking Sharks may become distressed if you get too close, so it's important to keep a safe distance.

► Download our Code of Conduct (pdf)