Growing Need for Better Whale Shark Conservation
Popular Dive Tour Species Has Habitat, Fisheries and Aquarium Issues
Oct 21, 2009
Interest in the whale shark (Rhincodon typus) continues to grow worldwide. At the same time the lack of information about the life history of the species may hamper efforts to stop the present population decline, which has put the species on the IUCN Vulnerable to Extinction list.
Will Dive Tour Interest Improve Knowledge of Whale Shark Habitat?
The growing interest in diving and snorkeling with the ocean’s wildlife may be helpful to scientists attempting to fill in the gaps on whale shark biology and habitat use. Whale Shark dive tours are constantly looking to guarantee sightings and biologists can use their sighting data to help determine critical habitat for the species.
The discovery of nursery areas and other preferred habitat can lead to better conservation measures in those areas. The whale shark does not appear to be negatively affected by the presence of divers and snorkelers so encouraging controlled ‘swim with’ programs may increase awareness of the species. This in turn may result in support for research and conservation efforts to protect the whale shark and its habitat .
Whale Shark Fishery Reduction Needed to Help Stop Decline
Whale shark meat is considered a delicacy in many Asian countries. At one point the market value for its meat was four times the fine for exceeding the fishery limit in Taiwan. Quota enforcement effort will need to be increased to prevent illegal takes of whale sharks.
In India, a campaign to stop whale shark fishing begun in 2004 is having a positive impact with Indian fishermen now rescuing entangled whale sharks. A government compensation program reimburses fishing net damage costs and the whale shark was placed on the Wildlife Protection Act of India’s Schedule I, the highest level of protection. More programs like this throughout the Asia will aid in reducing losses.
The Aquarium Trade’s Impact on Whale Shark Populations
The role of the aquarium trade in whale shark conservation is a bit more unclear. On the one hand, exposure to these ocean giants often results in public concern for the species. Many people will not have the opportunity to travel to areas they can actually view live whale sharks, thus the aquariums present a chance for increased awareness of whale shark conservation issues.
At the same time, the animals for display must be taken from the wild. To date there is no facility in the world which has whale sharks breeding in captivity. In addition, the very size of the sharks makes it difficult for most facilities to provide adequate space for adult animals, yet aquariums with captive whale sharks are reluctant to part with these money makers when their size is too great for the facility’s tanks.
The issue of captive whale shark welfare must be addressed for the display of the species in aquariums around the world to be considered humane.
The whale shark, as a giant, benign plankton eater may be the best species to draw public support for conservation of all shark species, many of which are facing similar or greater declines.
 |
 |
 |
 |
