Whale Sharks are an Endangered Specie!
There is still little known of the biology of this rare species, but we know that more often than not they swim on the sea surface very slowly, making it very easy for fishermen hunt.
Asia, and especially the Philippines are the main hunters of the whale shark, its fin is very valuable on the international market, shark liver oil is almost as valuable as their fins, the Eastern theory is that if a person is fed an animal so noble as the whale shark that person will gain health and nobility.
The Whale Shark is a protected species in many countries worldwide including Mexico, Australia, Honduras, Belice, United States of America, and the Phillipines as well as some states in India and the Maldives. Nonetheless, the whale shark is on the list of Endangered Species.
Discovery and Protection of the Whale Shark
Whale Shark Discovery and Ocean Tours collaborates with Ecocean in the identification of the Whale Shark and sending each month photos taken on our tours at Holbox and Contoy. This facilitates the identification of the different species of Whale Sharks and their movements and migration.
The white spots and lines are unique patterns to each Whale Shark not unlike the fingerprints of humans where no two are alike. Thanks to these patterns we can identify each whale shark separately.
What can we do for the Whale Shark?
The photo for photo identification of the Whale Shark should be taken as shown in the above photo.