Whale Sharks - Distribution & Conservation

Students look at the global distribution of the whale shark, the threats to the species, current and future conservation efforts.

Part A: Distribution

Though there is limited data on the whale shark scientists, based on reported sightings and known whale shark habitat, have been able to get an idea of the distribution and migration pattern of this species.

Using the map provided by your teacher and the web sites links below complete the distribution pattern for the whale shark, include the times of year that they are seen in each location.

Websites:

1. http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Gallery/Descript/Whaleshark/whaleshark.html

2. http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/species/sharks/whaleshark/index.html

3. http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/recovery/r-typus-issues/distribution-and-migration.html

4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whale_shark

Part B: Current Research

Due to the current status of the whale shark as an endangered species and the heavy reliance of many (including WA’s) tourism industries on the presence of whale sharks it is especially important to learn more about what whale sharks do and where they go. This is one of the main aims of the Earth Watch project in Exmouth.

The EarthWatch project uses the photo-tagging method of photographing the whale sharks to identify individual whale sharks. The data collected is recorded on an on-line database which allows for global access.

The photo-identification method uses the unique lines and spots that whale sharks have on their skin to identify individual whale sharks, read more about it on http://www.whaleshark.org/

Using the above website view how the photo-tagging process works, some of the locations that photos have been taken and how often certain individual whale sharks have been spotted. Answer the following questions on photo-tagging in your notes.

1) What area of the whale shark should be photographed?

2) How any sharks have currently been identified on the database?

3) How many times has shark H-045 been photographed and what is its sex?

4) In what location was shark DJ-024 photo-tagged?

5) List three advantages of photo-tagging.

This database allows for whale shark research groups, local communities, tourist or interested individuals around the world to note down when an individual whale shark is seen. The data, over time, will show the whale sharks migration route and time/duration of visits at each location, this can then be used to help conservation efforts.

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