SEA LIFE is calling on the Irish Government to protect our native Basking shark population. The Basking Shark is currently not listed as a protected or restricted fish species under Irish National marine or conservation legislation. The same situation does not exist in the UK where basking sharks are protected from capture and disturbance in British waters (up to 12 miles offshore) under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981): SEA LIFE would like to see similar protection extended to Basking Sharks in Irish Waters.