Endangered Basking Shark Caught in Fishing Trawlers Net

Sea Shepherd crew observing industrial fishing vessels off the coast of Western France as part of Operation Dolphin ByCatch witness a basking shark trapped in the fishing net. Although it was eventually released after the fishermen made sure to collect all of their fish, we have no way of knowing whether this gentle giant (the second largest shark in the sea after the whale shark) was injured or whether it would survive the traumatic event. Basking sharks are listed as a "vulnerable" species at risk of becoming endangered.
These images confirm that dolphins are not the only victims of these non-selective fishing methods, which should be banned in areas that, like the Bay of Biscay, are home to protected or threatened species.
Learn more about Operation Dolphin ByCatch here: bit.ly/DolphinB...
----
Sea Shepherd is an international, non-profit marine conservation organization that engages in direct action campaigns to defend wildlife, and conserve and protect the world’s oceans from illegal exploitation and environmental destruction.
Learn more about us: www.seashepher...
Support our efforts: www.seashepher...