Whale Sharks Face Deadly Ship Collision Threat in Popular Ecotourism Regions
Whale sharks, the world's largest fish and an endangered species, face a significant threat from large ships in heavily trafficked regions worldwide. These gentle giants are vulnerable to deadly collisions, with certain areas in the Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans posing higher risks.
Scientists have identified whale shark aggregation hot spots in 26 countries, including popular ecotourism destinations like the Maldives and Hawaii. These areas, along with heavily trafficked routes in countries like Ecuador, Mexico, Malaysia, and Taiwan, are where collisions are most likely to occur. Despite their economic value to local communities through ecotourism, whale shark deaths from ship strikes are likely high but underreported due to lack of evidence.
To mitigate these risks, experts suggest reducing vessel speed by 75 percent and re-routing ships in known whale habitats. Temporarily designating these areas off-limits to large ships could also help protect the sharks. However, with global shipping expected to increase significantly by 2050, urgent action is needed to safeguard these magnificent creatures.
Whale sharks, spending half their time cruising the surface, are particularly vulnerable to ship collisions. With their habitats mapped and the risks identified, it's crucial for authorities and shipping industries to implement protective measures. By doing so, we can help preserve these gentle giants and their ecosystems for future generations.
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