Report a Sighting of Basking Sharks

Use our online form or contact us directly at baskingshark@dfo-mpo.gc.ca or toll-free at 1-877-50-SHARK (mailing information below).

Basking sharks are gentle giants that eat only tiny animals called plankton. They can reach sizes of up to 12.2 m (40 feet). They used to be abundant off our coast, but are now listed as endangered in British Columbia waters under the Species at Risk Act. We encourage all who work or play on or near the water to keep a lookout for basking sharks and to report all sightings. If possible, take pictures so that we can validate the sighting. Good quality photographs of dorsal fins can be used to identify individuals. Your information will help up to determine how many exist off our coast (if any) and the potential for recovery of these impressive sharks.

To report a sighting, print out and mail or fax the pdf version of our sighting form. Printing the form may require you to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free of charge from Adobe Systems Inc.

You can also email us or use our toll-free reporting line. Please include the following details:

• Date of sighting & time of day
• Location (as specific as possible)
• Number and estimated size of sharks
• Any behaviours you may have observed
• Optional: Your name and contact information (so that we can confirm the sighting).
• Take pictures if possible!

To contact us:
BASKING SHARK SIGHTINGS
Pacific Biological Station
3190 Hammond Bay Road
Nanaimo, BC V9T 1T3
Toll Free: 1-877-50-SHARK
baskingshark@dfo-mpo.gc.ca