The whale sharks, as much as they seem like they just jumped out of a scene from Moana, are indeed very real and are facing very real problems. Being the largest fish in the sea, growing up to over 40 feet, there’s not much that they can’t consume whole. Despite that, the whale sharks chose to eat only the tiny planktons and other small creatures. Why go big, when you can just go small? The whale sharks scrape these creatures off the surface of the sea along with some other small fish that happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. In other terms, they ‘Filter Feed’. Here are some other quick facts about the whale sharks -
Scientific name: Rhincodon typus
Diet: carnivorous
Group name: School
Life span: 70 years on average
Size: 18-32.8 feet (about the size of a bus)
Weight: 20.6 tons
Now to the elephant in the room, or more appropriately, the whale in the room -
Are these things whales or sharks?
The whale sharks are sharks. They only get the name whale for their enormous bus-like size. Unlike whales, these gorgeous creatures are not mammals and are oviparous, which means that they lay eggs.
Here’s the sad part - they are on the verge of extinction. According to the IUCN, the whale shark’s Indo-Pacific population is estimated to have reduced by around 63 percent over the last 75 years. The Atlantic population is estimated to have been decreased by over 30 percent. The population is continuing to decline due to several factors- .
Biological factors -
Even though the sharks live a long life of more than 70 years, they obtain sexual maturity at a later age and produce a low rate of little whale shark babies throughout their lives. Female sharks have the ability to give birth to up to 300 pups, however, only 1 in 10 are expected to survive till the age of sexual maturity.
Human impact -
Due to irresponsible tourism practices, fishing, and injuries from boating and other water activities, the whale sharks are suffering a population decline. Traditional Chinese medicine uses parts of the whale shark, especially their fins, which has been one of the biggest reasons for poaching. Not only in Chinese medicine, the whale sharks are sold at high values in the international market for their fins, meat and oil.
Habitat and Climate -
The whale sharks are not alone in being victim to population decline triggered by climate change. The change of climate leads to a decline in their prey species, and the industrialisation of coastal regions has created marine pollution which has led to a massive loss of habitat. They are also victims of bycatch in these coastal areas.
How can we help them make the world magical for a little longer?
It goes without saying, DO NOT, INTENTIONALLY OR ACCIDENTLY, BUY WHALE SHARK PRODUCTS. If you cut the demand there will be no need for supply and less whale sharks will be poached. Make smarter choices when you shop for food. We understand that for medical reasons as well as personal preference, not everyone can go vegan, but we can look a little more closely at the labels on the products we buy. Look for Oceanwise products or products that clearly state that their seafood is sustainably sourced. Supporting responsible organizations will urge the others to go clean as well. You can also support responsible tour organizers that make smarter decisions about how tourists interact with vulnerable wildlife and take the KEEPitWILD Pledge. Most importantly read and share. Education is the most powerful tool of all. Talk about these giant cuties with friends and family. Spread the word. The change starts with you and that future lies in your hand.
Written By Simar Bhogal and Art by Aayush Goraik Rathaur
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