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The 2004-05
Whale Shark Season in Sodwana Bay, South Africa, has been
a relatively good one with a total of 33 sharks sighted
between 1 December 2004 and 5 March 2005. Of these 33
Whale Shark sightings, we (divers from the Gypsea Centre)
had 16 in-water encounters with 11 animals which were
photographed and sexed for Identification. From these
in-water encounters, we noticed a slightly higher level of
social behaviour.
We
were fortunate to have had sponsorship for 20 days of
aerial survey by micro-light. However, we do not have the
full-time assistance of the micro-light as the pilot has
recently re-located, but we continue with boat-based
sightings from a high-chair mounted on our rubber-duck.
The statistics of our sightings (boat vs. aerial) has
proven the importance of aerial support for sightings.
We
encountered a 7 metre Male Shark heading south on the 20th
February 2005 and had a repeat sighting of this animal
swimming northwards on the 23rd of the same month. This
Whale Shark displayed very social behaviour (initiated
interaction) and was easily Identified by a big circular
scar on the left side of the head, just behind its eye.
There were also clear nicks in the dorsal fin and tail
(see photo's below).
From analysis of our data, we have clearly identified
animals moving both north and south over the duration of
the 2004-05 season. This poses the question: “what is
their primary activity is in our region?”. Further
investigation and the use of identifying tags would help
answer this question. Negotiations are in process and we
hope to implement our tagging programme shortly.
Suitability of tags remain an issue. Animals visiting this
region are not subjected to intense diver pressure as we
are the only operator co-ordinating with the hired
services of micro-light. However, dedicated whale
shark interaction by other organisations could support our
data gathering effort.
Article by
Rob Bester, Gypsea Centre, Sodwana
For more information on whale
sharks off Sodwana or if you wish to assist Rob in this work, please contact him
at gypsea@saol.com. If you happen to see the shark with this distinctive mark
please let us know so we can record his movements!
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