New Delhi: International Whale Shark Day is observed annually on August 30. The day celebrates the remarkable and majestic whale shark. With their slow and gentle demeanour, whale sharks are known for swimming in shallow depths while also venturing into waters as deep as 3,000 feet.
Unfortunately, their docile nature has made them easy targets for fishing, leading to a significant decline in their population of at least 50 per cent. This alarming trend has landed the whale shark on the endangered species list, threatening the species and the overall marine ecosystem. The decreasing numbers of whale sharks could have far-reaching consequences for the aquatic environment.
As the largest shark species on the planet, these incredible creatures can grow to an astounding 60 feet in length from birth.
In this article, let us discover why International Whale Shark Day is observed.
International Whale Shark Day: Why is the day observed?
Scientists think some whale sharks could live up to 100 years today. If these marine creatures disappeared, the ocean would lose an important way to control plankton levels in the long term. Whale sharks are being overfished and poached worldwide because of their valuable fins and meat, causing their numbers to decrease each year.
International Whale Shark Day was created to raise awareness about whale sharks’ importance to marine ecosystems and their declining population and to promote efforts to protect the species.
These majestic animals are a sight to behold and hold great ecological importance. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), these beautiful creatures are classified as one of the most vulnerable marine species. It is important to take meaningful steps to protect and conserve the whale shark population to ensure their survival for future generations.
Establishment of the day
The International Whale Shark Day was established in 2008 during the International Whale Shark Conference held in Isla Holbox, Mexico. At the conference, 40 ocean experts, activists, and scientists gathered to address the concerning decline in the population of whale sharks.
It is believed that the whale shark was officially discovered in the 1820s off the coast of South Africa. Dr Andrew Smith, the first to document this magnificent creature, rightfully described it as the largest shark on earth. Despite their immense size and the potentially hostile nature of their smaller shark cousins, whale sharks are renowned for their gentle demeanour.
About Whale Sharks
At birth, whale sharks measure only 16 to 24 inches, but as they mature, they can reach 46 to 60 feet, with some individuals reaching 25 tonnes in weight. They possess 300 rows of tiny teeth, each only 0.2 inches long. These gentle giants mainly feed on plankton, squids, and fish, and they have enormous appetites, consuming up to 44 lbs of food daily.
International Whale Shark Day is observed on August 30 every year to raise awareness about the marine creatures declared vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Read on to know about the day’s importance. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
