United Kingdom

Updated May 1, 2025 by Xenia Anagnostou, intern

🦈 UK Shark Fishing Laws and Loopholes

This guide offers a deep dive into the incredible world of UK sharks — exploring the rich diversity of over 40 species that inhabit or migrate through British waters, from the majestic basking shark to the elusive angel shark. But it’s not just about marveling at these ancient creatures; this guide also uncovers the serious threats they face, including overfishing, bycatch, mislabeling, and legal loopholes. Most importantly, it highlights the urgent actions needed from policymakers, residents, and visitors alike to ensure these vital marine predators are protected for generations to come

The UK’s coastal waters are home to an astonishing variety of shark life, with over 40 shark species either residing in or migrating through these seas year-round. Iconic species like the basking shark which we’ve featured in our January 2024 Monthly Chomp edition draw divers and marine enthusiasts to hotspots such as Cornwall, the Hebrides, and the Isle of Man between May and October.

Yet, despite their ecological importance, these ancient creatures face growing threats: overfishing, bycatch, mislabeling, and legal loopholes have put nearly half of the UK’s shark species at risk.

basking shark with mouth open.

🌊 Why Are Sharks Vital to UK Marine Ecosystems?

Sharks are essential to maintaining healthy oceans. Why we need sharks: They regulate prey populations, support biodiversity, promote carbon cycling, and help sustain fish stocks. However, because sharks reproduce slowly and mature late, their populations are highly vulnerable to overexploitation. In fact, some shark species in UK waters have declined by up to 99% — a staggering and urgent conservation concern.

⚠ Major Threats to Sharks in the UK

✅ Overfishing & Bycatch
Global demand for shark products drives overfishing. Even though shark finning was banned, thousands of sharks are still killed as bycatch — accidentally caught in fishing nets — and sold legally under loopholes.

✅ Mislabelling & Illegal Sales
Species like the spiny dogfish, banned from commercial fishing, are still sold under misleading names like “rock salmon” or “rock eel.” Shockingly, DNA testing has uncovered endangered non-native sharks, like the scalloped hammerhead, in UK food markets. Our Shark Products-at-a-Glance: The uses for shark are vast, as are the places shark products can be found.

Shark products.

✅ Loopholes in Laws & Trade
While the UK banned shark finning in 2003 and stopped imports/exports of detached fins in 2023, loopholes remain. Travelers can legally bring up to 20 kg of dried shark fins into Europe, and shark fins can still be removed after landing domestically. Weak labelling laws allow endangered species to slip through the system undetected.

🛡 Existing Shark Protections in the UK

  • Shark Finning Ban (2003) + Fins Naturally Attached Policy (2009)
  • Shark Fins Act (2023): Prohibits import/export of detached fins
  • Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) + other regional laws: Protect basking and angel sharks
  • Tope Prohibition Order (2008): Restricts tope shark fishing
  • CITES Agreement: Regulates international trade in endangered shark species
  • Total Allowable Catches (TAC): Annual catch limits, though recent increases raise concerns

🌟 High-Level Protections for Certain Species

Some species, like basking sharks and angel sharks, are offered even stronger protections in UK waters under these laws:

  • Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
  • Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985
  • Countryside Rights of Way Act 2000
  • Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004

Thanks to these measures, harming or killing a basking shark can result in a heavy fine or up to 6 months in prison — underscoring the serious legal consequences for those threatening these vulnerable animals.

🚨 Ongoing Challenges

⚠ Bycatch Loopholes: Protected sharks are still sold when caught accidentally.
⚠ Slow Policy Response: Years passed between the finning ban and the import/export ban.
⚠ Weak Labelling Laws: No requirement for scientific names on seafood labels allows endangered species to go unnoticed.
⚠ Domestic Gaps: Local sales of shark products continue despite international bans.

💪 Actions You Can Take to Help

For Policymakers

✅ Enforce seasonal fishing closures and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
✅ Mandate bycatch reduction devices (BRDs)
✅ Expand DNA testing at ports and markets
✅ Require scientific names on all seafood labels
✅ Establish a UK elasmobranch monitoring program
✅ Ban non-selective fishing gear

For Residents

✅ Avoid consuming mislabeled shark products in fish and chip shops
✅ Join beach cleanups to reduce ocean debris
✅ Support shark conservation groups like Shark Trust
✅ Sign petitions (e.g., Bite-Back) to close trade loopholes
✅ Contact your MP to push for stronger shark protections

For Visitors

✅ Support eco-friendly shark diving and tourism
✅ Avoid restaurants serving shark fin soup
✅ Follow marine wildlife codes during coastal visits
✅ Report any illegal shark product sales

🏝 Where to Dive with Sharks in the UK

  • Cornwall, England — Basking, blue, porbeagle sharks (summer)
  • Hebrides, Scotland — Basking sharks (April–October)
  • Dorset, England — Blue, basking, thresher sharks
  • Isle of Man — Basking sharks (May–August)
  • Cardigan Bay, Wales — Basking, thresher sharks (April–October)

Shark tourism proves that sharks are worth more alive — not just for the economy, but for ocean health.

🌟 Why This Matters

Protecting UK sharks is not just about saving a few iconic animals — it’s about safeguarding the entire marine ecosystem. Stronger laws, improved enforcement, and public action can make a difference before it’s too late. Whether you’re a resident, a visitor, or a policymaker, everyone has a role in ensuring sharks continue to thrive in UK waters.