The population of whale sharks, the largest living fish on Earth, continues to decline despite protective measures. A recent study conducted by scientists at the University of Southampton suggests that collisions with ships in the ocean may be responsible for this decline. The Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) has strictly regulated the trade of whale shark products since 2003, yet the global population of these creatures continues to decrease. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the whale shark as “endangered” since 2016. The reason for this decline has been unclear until now.
The study conducted by the University of Southampton found that the increasing number of ships in the ocean is likely endangering the whale shark population. A significant number of these creatures are dying due to collisions with large cargo ships. The scientists equipped 348 whale sharks with satellite tags to track their movements and compared their routes with those of ships weighing at least 300 gross tons. They found significant similarities and even data indicating fatal collisions. Some of the tags recorded whale sharks moving into shipping lanes and then slowly sinking to the ocean floor hundreds of meters below, indicating a deadly collision. The satellite-based Argos system also recorded 219 whale sharks losing contact in regions with heavy ship traffic, with 85% of these cases believed to be due to fatal collisions.
The scientists suggest that strategies must be developed to protect these endangered creatures from commercial shipping before it is too late. Reducing ship speeds and numbers can help prevent fatal collisions. The whale shark plays a crucial role in controlling plankton in the ocean, and their decline could have significant ecological consequences. The study highlights the need for continued efforts to protect endangered species and the importance of understanding the impact of human activities on the environment.
