Basking sharks habitat will soon be protected as a Marine Protected Area or MPA off the west coast of Scotland has been initiated. This will safeguard the animals from fishermen and tourists alike.

In summer, the University of Exeter and Scottish Natural Heritage or SNH satellite scientists were able to follow 36 basking sharks. From 2012 to 2014, it was discovered that 86 percent demonstrated an extent of living in the recommended MPA in the Sea of the Hebrides.

According to Science Daily, the basking sharks frequent the same location every year to which scientist concluded that the place offers provision for major endeavors like feeding and probably breeding. The area makes a significant part of the fish's wheel of life where MPA's will be of great help.

The manager of the project for SNH, Dr. Suzanne Henderson said, "We have known for some time that basking sharks are frequently seen in Scottish waters during the summer, and they are big attraction for visitors to our west coast. But this research shows for the first time that some individuals return to the Sea of the Hebrides in consecutive years, emphasizing the importance of the area for sharks."

The reason for putting up the sanctuary in the Sea of the Hebrides is because basking sharks prefer the area and returned there year after year. The sea creature can measure up to 40 feet long and could weigh up to 20 tons. It is already identified as an endangered species in the northeast Atlantic and is being threatened by ships and trawlers, The Times reported.

Basking sharks are the world's largest fish, second to the whale shark. Although seen yearly in its preferred location, there are no comprehensive researches for its movements. The Exeter scientists discovered that the sharks allocate most of its time during the summer within the recommended frontiers. During winter, some of them remain in the UK and Irish waters while others trek south to France, Portugal, Spain, and North African waters.

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