Fishery Notice - Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Subject: FN0285-COMMERCIAL - Groundfish - Basking Shark - Shark Sightings Network
The basking shark is the second largest fish in the world, with a maximum
recorded size of 12.2 metres (40 feet). Historically, large groupings of
basking sharks were observed along British Columbia’s (B.C.) coast however
Canada’s Pacific population of the species has virtually disappeared. The
entire population in the northeast Pacific Ocean from California to northern
B.C. is estimated to be between 321 to 535 individuals, with only 9 confirmed
sightings in Canada since 1996. In March of 2010, the basking shark became the
first marine fish to be listed as endangered under Canada’s Species at Risk Act
(SARA).
The Canadian Pacific Shark Research Lab at the Pacific Biological Station has
implemented a Shark Sightings Network to receive online, phone or e-mail
reports from the public on any possible basking shark sightings. Collaboration
with industry is especially important to the on-going success of the Sightings
Network. First Nations and groundfish stakeholders – from commercial and
recreational fishermen, non-governmental organizations, and other coastal
community members involved in the fishing industry in B.C. are requested to
report potential sightings to Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Information
provided to researchers will be used to determine how many basking sharks
remain in B.C.’s waters and their potential for their recovery.
How to identify a basking shark
Given their large size and unique feeding behaviour, basking sharks are very
easy to identify. They should be spotted in B.C.’s waters between March and
October, slowly cruising the surface of the ocean alone or in groups, filtering
water through their enormous gills and consuming tiny animals called plankton.
Their large, dark-coloured and distinctly triangular dorsal fin sets them apart
from other animals commonly spotted at the water’s surface, such as whales,
dolphins and other sharks. The tip of the tail fin and the tip of the snout
may also be visible. When viewed from above, the elongated gill slits that
wrap almost entirely around the head can be seen, especially when the animal is
swimming open-mouthed while feeding.
If you see a basking shark or recover a shark from your trawl net please take
note of the approximate length of the animal and the date and location of the
sighting or capture. If possible, take photographs. Please report the
sighting on the DFO website using our online form or contact us directly at:
Basking Shark Sightings
Pacific Biological Station
Nanaimo, BC
V9T 6N7
Toll-free: 1-877-50-SHARK (1-877-507-4275)
E-mail: BaskingShark@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/SharkSightings
Thank you very much for your assistance in helping to protect this species at
risk.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Basking Shark Sightings
Pacific Biological Station
Nanaimo, BC
Toll-free: 1-877-50-SHARK (1-877-507-4275)
Fisheries and Oceans Canada Operations Center - FN0285
Sent April 15, 2010 at 15:21
Visit us on the Web at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Subject: FN0285-COMMERCIAL - Groundfish - Basking Shark - Shark Sightings Network
The basking shark is the second largest fish in the world, with a maximum
recorded size of 12.2 metres (40 feet). Historically, large groupings of
basking sharks were observed along British Columbia’s (B.C.) coast however
Canada’s Pacific population of the species has virtually disappeared. The
entire population in the northeast Pacific Ocean from California to northern
B.C. is estimated to be between 321 to 535 individuals, with only 9 confirmed
sightings in Canada since 1996. In March of 2010, the basking shark became the
first marine fish to be listed as endangered under Canada’s Species at Risk Act
(SARA).
The Canadian Pacific Shark Research Lab at the Pacific Biological Station has
implemented a Shark Sightings Network to receive online, phone or e-mail
reports from the public on any possible basking shark sightings. Collaboration
with industry is especially important to the on-going success of the Sightings
Network. First Nations and groundfish stakeholders – from commercial and
recreational fishermen, non-governmental organizations, and other coastal
community members involved in the fishing industry in B.C. are requested to
report potential sightings to Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Information
provided to researchers will be used to determine how many basking sharks
remain in B.C.’s waters and their potential for their recovery.
How to identify a basking shark
Given their large size and unique feeding behaviour, basking sharks are very
easy to identify. They should be spotted in B.C.’s waters between March and
October, slowly cruising the surface of the ocean alone or in groups, filtering
water through their enormous gills and consuming tiny animals called plankton.
Their large, dark-coloured and distinctly triangular dorsal fin sets them apart
from other animals commonly spotted at the water’s surface, such as whales,
dolphins and other sharks. The tip of the tail fin and the tip of the snout
may also be visible. When viewed from above, the elongated gill slits that
wrap almost entirely around the head can be seen, especially when the animal is
swimming open-mouthed while feeding.
If you see a basking shark or recover a shark from your trawl net please take
note of the approximate length of the animal and the date and location of the
sighting or capture. If possible, take photographs. Please report the
sighting on the DFO website using our online form or contact us directly at:
Basking Shark Sightings
Pacific Biological Station
Nanaimo, BC
V9T 6N7
Toll-free: 1-877-50-SHARK (1-877-507-4275)
E-mail: BaskingShark@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/SharkSightings
Thank you very much for your assistance in helping to protect this species at
risk.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Basking Shark Sightings
Pacific Biological Station
Nanaimo, BC
Toll-free: 1-877-50-SHARK (1-877-507-4275)
Fisheries and Oceans Canada Operations Center - FN0285
Sent April 15, 2010 at 15:21
Visit us on the Web at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
