Snorkeller caught jumping on back of a basking shark is criticised by marine experts

The Irish Basking Shark Group has aired its concerns after watching the video, saying it highlights “the need to promote guidelines on how to watch and experience respectfully”

A snorkeller’s audacious move to jump onto a basking shark has been criticised as “disrespectful” by marine life experts.

The swimmer was filmed straddling the back of the gentle giant off the Irish coast – but while the breed of sharks may be far less fearsome than others, the move has drawn widespread criticism.

Footage captured off the shores of Co Clare, Ireland shows the snorkeller jumping from a boat onto a basking shark while it is thought to have been feeding.

The swimmer then gets back under the water to get a closer look at the huge creature.

The Irish Basking Shark Group has aired its concerns after watching the video, claiming it highlights “the need to promote guidelines on how to watch and experience respectfully”.

Sharing the clip on Twitter, the group said the snorkeller’s actions could have frightened the shark and that humans getting too close could prevent them from doing critical things such as eating or mating.

“The shark was feeding when first approached, stopped feeding as the boat was too close, then a snorkeller jumped into the water on top of the shark,” the group said.

“We hope legislation to protect basking sharks will include a strong Code of Conduct for people near sharks to avoid this sort of behaviour in the future.”

Responding to a comment asking what harm the shark was in, the group wrote: “Ireland in particular seems to be an important habitat for this species.

“These types of interactions can stop the sharks from doing critical behaviours – they might stop feeding, pursuing mating, and may leave an otherwise important area for them.”

One of the few native sharks to UK waters reaching up to 8m long, basking sharks are known for their huge size and docile nature.

The beasts are the second-largest shark and overall fish after the whale shark. And while their open jaw may appear aggressive, basking sharks are entirely harmless to humans.

The Irish Basking Shark Group has advised people to keep at least four metres away from the creatures and to never try and touch them.

The conversation experts added that swimmers should never swim in large groups in waters known to be inhabited by basking sharks, and to keep powered boats at least 50m away.

One basking shark at the sea’s surface could indicate there are many more below, they said, as the creatures are known to swim in groups known as a ‘shiver’.

Followers were shocked by the man’s actions in the video, backing the group’s calls for tougher legislation on getting too close to sharks.

“We shouldn’t be touching wildlife unless to defend ourselves,” one user wrote. “People will never understand this.”

Another added: “We need to be better than this.”