Boom time for whale shark lovers
Dive operators along the Gascoyne coast are enjoying a boom in whale shark encounters, with tourists being treated to daily sightings of the usually elusive giants. The region’s sharks have arrived earlier than usual and in big numbers.
Exmouth’s Ocean Eco Adventures co-owner Marnie Hunt said sightings had rarely been so reliable. “Usually one shark is a bonus but we have been getting multiple sharks — up to three or four a day,” she said.
“All the conditions have just been really good — clear days, good visibility and lots of whale sharks.”
The sharks typically congregate to feed around Ningaloo Reef. The biggest species in the world, whale sharks are beloved by divers because they feed only on plankton and have even been documented “playing” with humans.
Conservationists hope the species, officially listed as vulnerable, are now receiving protection from fishing. Since 1998, several countries including India, the Philippines and Taiwan, have banned the fishing and sale of whale sharks. MICHAEL HOPKIN
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Mick
Posts: 501
Date Joined: 28/08/06
There has even been several
There has even been several sightings around the river mouth and the blueholes here in Kalbarri over the last few days. Maybe a new business venture for the Midwest????? Gotta love global warming
Cheers Mick
If the lord did not mean for us to eat fish and game, he wouldn't have made them outta meat
The speed of light is faster than the speed of sound. That's why so many people appear bright...until they speak.
Mick
Posts: 501
Date Joined: 28/08/06
G'day guys I took my brother
G'day guys
I took my brother out yesterday and as he's hooked up on a mackie we see this commotion on the surface. We land and dispatch the mackie and head over to investigate. The he is. A whale shark of approx 4m just cruising around on the surface. Would have been a k or 2 offshore just south of the sand patch. A quick scramble through the boat for a mask and then I realised I had repacked all my dive gear for a trip that never eventuated. So we just sat watching this incredible creature for 45 minutes throwing a couple of frostys down. One of my most memorable experiences.
Cheers Mick
If the lord did not mean for us to eat fish and game, he wouldn't have made them outta meat
The speed of light is faster than the speed of sound. That's why so many people appear bright...until they speak.
roberta
Posts: 2773
Date Joined: 08/07/08
Bob had the same experience Mick out of Leeman
a couple of years ago him and his buddy fishing out on the Bank then the water started moving and he yelled out to his mate look at the whale shark, it was bigger than our boat (18') Bob and his mate were gob smacked.
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