Basking Shark Project - global citizen science observations of Cetorhinus maximus
Citation
Allen H, Gordon C (2026). Basking Shark Project - global citizen science observations of Cetorhinus maximus. Version 1.1. Shark Trust. Samplingevent dataset. https://www.dassh.ac.uk/ipt/resource?r=st_baskingsharkproject&v=1.1 https://doi.org/10.15468/v4ycnv accessed via GBIF.org on 2026-05-05. accessed via GBIF.org on 2026-06-04.Description
This dataset details approved records from the Shark Trust's Basking Shark Project. This dataset is in part comprised of records from the Marine Conservation Society's Basking Shark Watch (1986-2018), and data provided from the Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch.
Comprised of citizen science observations, records of Basking Sharks (sighted from land or at sea) from around the world have been complied to help better understand this species. Data comes mostly from ad-hoc records, with some observations recorded from more structured surveys and data uploads from partner organisations.
Purpose
This dataset feeds a better understanding of this species, allowing for insights into historic movements and sighting patterns.
Sampling Description
Study Extent
Data is generated from citizen science observations. Many are ad-hoc observations, while some areas are more regularly surveyed using a standardised methodology. The majority of observations are from shore based sightings, with some being from boat or air.Sampling
Records are gathered from citizen science observations submitted on an ad-hoc basis, with some recorders and/or partner organisations undertaking more regular, structured surveys.Quality Control
All data has been approved by a member of staff before publication. All records have undergone internal Quality Checks, with checks made against known species range and pin location checked and adjusted as required.Method steps
- NA
Taxonomic Coverages
Basking Sharks - Cetorhinus maximus
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Cetorhinus maximuscommon name: Basking Shark rank: species
Geographic Coverages
Global, with a participation bias from the British Isles.
Bibliographic Citations
Contacts
Harriet Allenoriginator
position: Data Analyst
Shark Trust
4 Creykes Court, 5 Craigie Drive
Plymouth
pl13jb
Devon
GB
email: conservation@sharktrust.org
email: Harriet@sharktrust.org
userId: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5108-2032
Cat Gordon
originator
position: Senior Conservation Officer
Shark Trust
4 Creykes Court, 5 Craigie Drive
Plymouth
pl13jb
Devon
GB
email: cat@sharktrust.org
Harriet Allen
metadata author
position: Data Analyst
Shark Trust
4 Creykes Court, 5 Craigie Drive
Plymouth
pl13jb
Devon
GB
email: conservation@sharktrust.org
email: Harriet@sharktrust.org
userId: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5108-2032
Harriet Allen
administrative point of contact
position: Data Analyst
Shark Trust
4 Creykes Court, 5 Craigie Drive
Plymouth
pl13jb
Devon
GB
email: conservation@sharktrust.org
email: Harriet@sharktrust.org
userId: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5108-2032
Cat Gordon
administrative point of contact
position: Senior Conservation Officer
Shark Trust
4 Creykes Court, 5 Craigie Drive
Plymouth
pl13jb
Devon
GB
email: cat@sharktrust.org