Basking sharks do not eat humans. Despite their immense size, these marine animals are filter feeders, meaning their diet and feeding mechanisms are not designed for consuming large prey. The perception of them as a threat to people is a common misconception, stemming largely from their imposing appearance.
Understanding Basking Sharks
Basking sharks rank as the second-largest fish in the ocean, with adult individuals measuring between 22 to 29 feet (6.7 to 8.8 meters) in length and capable of reaching up to 40 feet (12 meters). They are one of three known filter-feeding shark species, along with the whale shark and megamouth shark. Their diet consists exclusively of zooplankton, which includes tiny crustaceans like copepods, as well as fish eggs and larvae.
These sharks feed by swimming with their mouths wide open, filtering vast quantities of water. Their mouth can open up to 3 feet (1 meter) wide, and water passes over bristle-like structures called gill rakers. These gill rakers strain the microscopic plankton from the water, allowing the shark to process up to 2,000 tons of water per hour. Despite their size, basking sharks possess hundreds of small, hooked teeth, less than 6 millimeters long, which are not used for biting or tearing prey. Their throat is also smaller than their mouth, making it impossible to swallow anything larger than their planktonic food.
Basking Sharks and Human Interaction
Basking sharks are considered docile and harmless to humans. They are non-aggressive and pose no predatory threat. There are no confirmed records of basking sharks intentionally attacking or biting humans, and the International Shark Attack File (ISAF) lists no verified reports of such incidents.
Encounters with basking sharks are accidental, often involving collisions with boats, especially when the sharks are feeding near the surface or breaching. While their size means physical contact could cause injury, this is not due to aggression or predatory behavior. For instance, a historical incident in 1937 involved a breaching basking shark capsizing a boat, which resulted in drownings, but this was an unintended accident.
When observing basking sharks, maintain a respectful distance. Direct contact with their skin should be avoided, as their dermal denticles can be rough and cause abrasions. These sharks avoid large objects, including divers, and do not approach humans. Their calm demeanor makes them a focal point for wildlife observers to appreciate these gentle giants from a safe distance.