Basking Shark Observation and Reporting Network of the Central Eastern Pacific.

Mariners, researchers and sportsman are being urged to record and report the locations of basking sharks to the office of the Pelagic Shark Research Foundation at (831/459-9346). Based in Santa Cruz California. The PSRF has tagged a record 81 basking sharks within the Monterey Bay since late 1989. Basking sharks were once heavily fished via harpoon until the late 50's when the sharks became increasingly rare.
Present population levels are unknown and there is an established concern that basking shark populations are in steep decline. The purpose of the sightings network is to assist researchers and wildlife agencies to study behaviors, evaluate population levels and enact measures to protect them from future over-exploitation.
Virtually nothing is known of this huge plankton filtering sharks movements or range and it is essential to management and conservation efforts that these mysteries be unlocked.
Basking sharks have been fished as a target of opportunity in recent years as the price and demand for 'fins' has dramatically increased. It is crucial that researchers and naturalists are able to locate and monitor congregations of basking sharks before these aggregations are disrupted by fishing or sporting activities.

Your assistance is vital to this effort and we thank you in advance for your support and participation.

Basking sharks, (Cetorhinus maximus) are the worlds second largest known fish. They commonly reach lengths of over 30' ft in length and can weigh several thousand pounds. Basking sharks are a mottled grayish brown and are most often observed while cruising slowly on the surface. While basking sharks are typically indifferent to humans they should not be closely approached or disturbed.

E-mail: psrf@pelagic.org

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