IN THIS ISSUE

  2 Young Whale Sharks for US Aquarium

In a controversial move the new Georgia Aquarium, USA, has purchased two juvenile whale sharks from Taiwan for a reputed US$8000 each.

The two sharks  around 4m long and, weigh 470 kg and 520 kg, were transported by air in a special container. 

Some conservationists have vigorously opposed the move on the basis that 18 out of 20 whale sharks kept in captivity have died fairly soon afterwards. Others feel that it is better to let them live in captivity and raise public awareness than have them butchered in the Taiwanese fishery.

A further juvenile shark captured in the Hualien area was sold to a Taiwanese aquarium

NOTICE BOARD

Whale Shark Sightings 
 Apr - Jun 2005

In-water Sightings
  7 reported sightings
 2 in-water encounters
 0 sharks identified
 1 sharks sexed (M)

Please send us any comments or news for inclusion by clicking

International Whale Shark Conference, Perth, Australia

The first International Whale Shark Conference was held in Perth in May 2005 and brought together scientific experts and representatives of Non-Government Organisations, intergovernmental organisations, the eco-tourism industry and Western Australian government agencies from 23 countries.

	Whale shark in Christmas Island. Photo Claire Davis

  After being welcomed by the organiser John Keesing (Strategic Research Fund for the Marine Environment, Australia), the conference was officially opened by Hon Dr Judy Edwards, MLA, Minister for Environment and Science, Australia. In total some 60 papers were presented covering the latest findings in terms of Conservation, Science, Ecotourism, Socioeconomics and Management of this species..

Full article>>

	Red crabs spawning at the waters edge. Photo Claire Davis

Christmas island is a very small seamount located 2600 Km north west of Australia, in fact just 390 Km off the coast of Indonesia. Despite being so close to Indonesia it is an Australian territory and like Australia’s north west coastal area it too is visited by whale sharks. It is suspected that they may indeed be the same sharks which appear at Ningaloo.

  The reason for the appearance of the whale sharks off Christmas Island appears to be triggered by the food pulse generated from a spawning event; however unlike the whale shark aggregations at Gladden Spit in Belize that feed on Snapper spawn this aggregation is feeding on crab spawn, and Land Crab spawn at that!

Full article>>

Although whale shark sightings were slow in the 2004 season many members of the sighting network have asked for more feedback as to the location of the sharks. This would allow them to access the sharks for  diving or snorkeling activities permissible under the stakeholder generated encounter policy.

Full article>>

Please let us know! Please get as much information as possible, where when, how many, how big, what it was doing etc. then call us, e-mail us or fill out our on-line sighting form every sighting is important in building a picture of these sharks movements and behaviour around Seychelles

More details>>

By becoming a whale shark foster parent you are ensuring that research on whale sharks is continued. Your support will assist in protecting these amazing creatures and ensure that they continue roaming the world’s tropical oceans.

Adopt me !

Mazarin (s275): A 4½ m juvenile male whale shark tagged on the 25th January 2003 near L'ilôt Island. He has a distinct scaring pattern and is easily recognized.

More details>>