Whale Sharks

Endangered Species

The Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) is a 15 - 20 meter long, filter feeding shark that's typically located in the tropics. They're the largest shark and fish in the ocean, but they feed on the smallest organisms: plankton. They're an important member of the aquatic biome; their presence ultimately determines the health of our ocean. Unfortunately, due to trash pollution, vessel strikes, fisheries and by-catch, and unsustainable tourism, Whale Sharks are in rapid decline. By choosing sustainable food and tourism, and taking action and/or supporting government policies that protect and conserve Whale Sharks, we can see them thrive again.

Key words: plankton, aquatic biome.

Photos top to bottom: Whale Shark | Species | WWF (worldwildlife.org); whale shark sun - Bing images; 1-sharkshowacu.jpg (892×593) (internapcdn.net); 4314792966_d2ef12fe37_b.jpg (1024×768) (staticflickr.com); Communities for Whale Shark Conservation - A success story from Gujarat, India | IUCN