IN THIS ISSUE

Regional Whale Shark Network

How You Can Assist

MCSS is keen to involve as many organisations as possible that have an interest in whale sharks in the Indian Ocean Region.

If you are involved in any way with whale sharks, either through your work, your hobby or just because of where you live, we would be interested to here from you.

There is very little scientific work being done on these sharks and what little there is indicates that the sharks are very slow growing and slow to mature. This coupled with a proven predilection for crossing many thousands of kilometres of ocean make these sharks extremely vulnerable.

By collating information about the occurrence of sharks from around the region we will be able to provide organisations such as the CMS with a clearer perspective on whale shark distribution and threats.
 

If you would like to participate in this regional network initative please 
 click 

Please send us any comments or news for inclusion by clicking

OCEAN-WIDE PROTECTION A STEP CLOSER?

The recently reported slaughter of a whale shark off Tofo Mozambique (see article 1 in this issue) has once again highlighted the need for ocean wide protection of the species and this may indeed be a step closer.

	A curious young whale shark with attendant remoras.   Photo: Johannes Schwabe, SUBIOS contest winner

Over the last year MCSS has been building a network of partners throughout the Indian Ocean who have one thing in common, a commitment to conserving this most magnificent of sharks.

The network is an informal grouping but each of the partners has completed a brief survey questionnaire as to:

   the occurrence of whale sharks in their area,

   whale shark monitoring, protection and utilisation activities, and  

   perceived threats to the sharks.

Each participant receives the information from all the other partners so that all are aware of the situation throughout the region. The whole aim of the network is to help provide clear information on a broad basis about the occurrence and status of the sharks which in turn can help national and international bodies make informed decisions about the species.

Research by the MCSS has shown that whale sharks seen in Seychelles migrate far and wide to Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and as far afield as Sri-lanka and even Thailand (Sagren vol.1.2). Consequently, while national protection for the sharks, such as in Seychelles and Maldives, is valuable, international conservation is very necessary. Unfortunately it is also the most difficult to achieve.

The whale shark is listed on CITES Appendix II. This means that any international trade in the species must be recorded and certified, it does not however stop the taking of the shark and places no restrictions on the usage whale sharks and their products on the national level. Moves at  CITES to classify other sharks have not been supported and referred to the Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAO) who have a International Plan of Action for sharks. The FAO however does not set conservation policy and so MCSS, in liaison with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources have been investigating options of protecting the species under the auspices of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and things do seem to be moving on this front.

Seychelles is not currently a member of the CMS but has already signed on to the Indian Ocean & South East Asia Turtle Agreement under the CMS to help conserve migratory turtles. Discussions with the Ministry of Environment & Natural Resources and the CMS are ongoing with regard to potential mechanisms that may be established to enable international cooperation for the conservation of the whale shark.