Record Sightings Of ‘Gentle Giant’

Sightings of Britain’s biggest fish, the basking shark, have reached record levels, according to marine biologists.

Big mouth, but harmless do you think Rosie would fit in there

Last year, 2,222 of the animals were spotted - an increase of 70% from the previous 12 months.

The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) detailed the findings in its annual Shark Watch report.

“It’s really encouraging and we hope it suggests the population of sharks is recovering as a result of protection,” said MCS official Angus Bloomfield.

The sharks are threatened so sightings are recorded to help protect the species.

But since 1987, volunteers have been sending in pictures and details of basking sharks, most of which are seen in the South West, Scotland and the Isle of Man.

Basking sharks grow up to 36ft long and can weigh seven tonnes.

Their teeth are tiny so they do not pose a threat to humans, instead they feed on microscopic plankton which they filter from the sea.

Source: SKY