SWIMMERS and sailors in Plymouth Sound are being urged to take care around basking sharks after a recent sighting.

The Herald recently published photos of one of these huge but harmless fish in front of The Hoe. They were taken by kayaker Adrian Waite.

Now the National Marine Aquarium (NMA) and The Shark Trust are urging water users to appreciate these gentle giants without disturbing them, by sticking to a code of conduct.

NMA managing director Dr David Gibson said: "It is vitally important that these critically endangered animals are able to use the waters of the Sound for feeding without disturbance as the sharks are catching up on a winter of very low feeding and they need to build up their reserves to be able to breed."

Relatively little is known about basking sharks, but Dr Gibson said they are attracted to the fertile coastal waters of the South West, often in large numbers, in the early summer months as the sea surface temperature rises.

This warming of the water gives rise to increased levels of plankton, richest where tidal and current streams mix, and the sharks follow these rich veins of plankton wherever they lead.

Dr Gibson added: "Being able to view a basking shark at any time is a rare privilege, especially so if it can be done from the shore or in shallow water and it's certainly not something that either the NMA or the Shark Trust wants to stop.

"However, people should be aware of the fact that basking sharks are protected by law (under the Wildlife and Countryside Act) against capture or disturbance. Anyone found guilty of committing such an offence could face up to six months in jail."

To help people to enjoy the experience of seeing one of these magnificent creatures the NMA has supported the Shark Trust in the production of a Code of Conduct for basking shark encounters. Full details of the Code of Conduct can be found at www.baskingshark.org.