These Sharks’ Lives Are About to Get a Lot More Peaceful

Irish authorities are going forward with the protection of the basking shark, the second biggest fish in the world, among other things through the establishment of a collaborative Code of Conduct for eco-tourism and wildlife watching industry to abide by.

“Basking sharks are extraordinary creatures and they’re facing increasing pressures from a range of sources, including disturbance,” says Malcolm Noonan, Minister of State for Heritage and electoral Reform.

Under the revised Wildlife Act, the gentle giant will be given the status of “protected wild animal.” No-regulated hunting will be banned, and injuring the defended species and interfering with its breeding or resting places will be made illegal. Irish waters are home to between 15% and 20% of the world’s basking shark population.