
Basking shark ©Alex Mustard/2020VISION

Basking shark ©Alex Mustard/2020VISION
Basking shark
Scientific name: Cetorhinus maximus
This gentle giant is the largest shark in UK seas, reaching up to 11m in length. There's no need to fear them though, they only eat plankton!
Species information
Category
Statistics
Length: up to 12mWeight: up to 6 tonnes
Average Lifespan: unknown, thought to be around 50 years
Conservation status
The North East Atlantic population are classed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. They are listed under CITES Appendix II and classified as a Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework. Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.