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Whale Sharks Protected in Seychelles!

On the 13th January 2003, the Cabinet of Seychelles approved the proposal by the Minister of Environment, Mr. Ronny Jumeau, to protect whale sharks in the territorial waters of Seychelles. This further enhances the initiatives of other range states, such as the Maldives, South Africa, Australia and India to protect the species throughout its trans-boundary migrations around the Indian Ocean.

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Sightings in Jan-Apr 2003

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WHALE SHARK RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION IN SEYCHELLES. 
Part 1.

Whale sharks (Sagren) are found regularly around Seychelles, occurring throughout the year with most sightings being recorded around Mahé Island during two peak periods: June to August and October to December. In fact, some of the earliest sightings were recorded here. In 1868 Irish naturalist E. Percival Wright reported seeing a 14m (46ft) specimen in Port Victoria, Mahé.
Being the largest fish, they have almost no natural predators and until recently were not considered good eating. Today, the oriental restaurant trade is promoting the flesh of these gentle giants as ‘Tofu Shark’.....

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Individual whale sharks can be recognised from the distinct spot patterns on their dorsal fins and behind their gills. Scarring damage to the fins can also be a good visual identification. However, it still takes a discerning eye to distinguish between individual sharks as well as knowledge of previously sighted sharks. 
Scarring and spot patterns are therefore not an easy or reliable means of identification. Most of the people who report whale shark sightings have no background in whale shark identification and often forget to note scarring or spot patterns when encountering the gentle giant, so overwhelmed are they by the experience.

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On the 16th February 2003, the high speed vessel La Creole limped back to Mahé for repairs after a collision with a Whale shark near Praslin. According to Travel Services Seychelles (TSS) who operate La Creole, the vessel was replacing Cat Cocos, the regular ferry service between Mahé and Praslin, which was undergoing routine maintenance.
The boat suffered slight damage (a hole approximately four inches in diameter in its fibreglass hull) and was temporarily taken out of service for repairs, suspending the regular boat service between Mahé and Praslin.

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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

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