Marine Life & Conservation
Philippines vital for endangered Whale Sharks
A new scientific publication from LAMAVE and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 5 (BFAR 5) reports the importance of Donsol and the Ticao-Burias Pass as a likely pupping ground and nursery area for the endangered whale shark.
The study reports the discovery of a newly born whale shark found on March 15, 2020 as well as mating-like behaviour displayed by whale sharks witnessed by researchers and reported by local whale shark tourism guides (Butanding Interaction Officers). The team concludes that these findings paired with previous reports of neonate (new born) whale sharks within the area, as well as the globally rare co-occurrence of adult males and females, strongly suggests that Donsol and the TicaoBurias Pass is an important reproductive habitat for the world’s largest fish.
On March 15, 2020 a free-swimming neonate whale shark was found in the shallow waters of Donsol by a member of staff from the Donsol Tourism Office. Researchers from LAMAVE identified the whale shark as a male, and measuring 60 cm – this is smaller than the largest embryo (64 cm) reported in the only investigation of a pregnant female in Taiwan in the 1990s, indicating that this individual must be a new born. Given their poor at-birth swimming abilities, it is likely that neonates remain fairly close to their birthing grounds, thus indicating Donsol and the Ticao-Burias Pass to be an important pupping ground and nursery area. It is the third neonate recorded in the area and it was the 1930th individual whale shark to be identified in the Philippines.
The team from Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines, who have been conducting research in Donsol since 2015 also underline the value of local ecological knowledge of the Butanding Interaction Officers (BIOs), who have, on occasion, reported mating-like behaviour by whale sharks where one individual was observed swimming below a second whale shark with its ventral side up. LAMAVE researchers also observed a large male whale shark lowering and ‘unfurling’ its claspers (male reproductive organs).
The Philippines is already a globally important area for whale sharks: the country’s waters host the second-largest known aggregation of whale sharks in the world. However, this new study suggests that for the first time the country, and specifically Donsol and the Ticao-Burias Pass, is a globally unique habitat for the whale shark and important for their reproduction. The continued protection of the area is paramount, and development within the area that may impact the species and/or the environment, should be strictly regulated.
For more information on the work of LAMAVE visit their website by clicking here.
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
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- Bigeye Thresher Shark by Janina Rossiter
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- Carcharodon carcharias by Jimmy Higgs
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- Croc VR 2030 by Tom Mead
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- Oceanic Whitetip by ATM
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- Silky Street by ScapaJoe
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
Until 28 November, prizes worth a massive £10,000 – including experiences, products and tuition – feature in a line-up of items that can be won for £5 in an online prize draw to celebrate Bite-Back Shark & Marine Conservation’s 20th anniversary and help generate crucial funds for the future.
Top of the list of prizes is the chance to spend time with adventurer and wildlife expert Steve Backshall, a workout session with Nat Geo star Aldo Kane, a kayaking trip alongside white-water expert and diver Sal Montgomery and a Zoom call with ‘shark whisperer’ Cristina Zenato.
On top of that, some of the most admired companies in the diving and scuba industry have been quick to support the charity with fabulous prizes that make the £5 ticket price worth more than just a flutter.
Master Liveaboards, BSAC, Midlands Diving Chamber, Go Freediving and Blue Shark Snorkel have all generously donated experience prizes, while celebrated photographer Alex Mustard has donated a print and artists Scott Gleed and Olivier Leger have donated a sculpture and illustration to help boost the fundraising pot.
Fourth Element has donated Ocean Positive gear and LA watch company Nodus has gifted the charity a stunning dive watch. For land lovers, the charity has included a five star London hotel stay at Bankside Hotel plus a family visit to Longleat Safari Park in the roster of prizes.
Campaign director for Bite-Back, Graham Buckingham, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed with support from companies and individuals that we truly admire and who have supported us on our 20 year journey and we’re truly grateful to them all. While we feel incredibly proud of our achievements over the past two decades – and we are super excited about the next chapter – this prize draw isn’t a vanity project. It represents a real lifeline to our work and important advancements in the global protection of sharks. So we hope divers, dive clubs and even bargain hunters grab some tickets to make this a massive success.”
The charity hopes that the prize draw will generate crucial funds to launch a brand new, ground-breaking, campaign to enrol the public and increase support for the protection of sharks around the world.
To enter the competition visit www.bite-back.com/prizedraw. The prize winners will be announced on 1 December 2024.
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