Threats to the Maldivian Whale Sharks
Maldivian Whale Sharks are faced with daily threats, unfortunately usually linked with human interaction. These include fishing, by-catch (accidental fishing), habitat disturbance, pollution and collisions with boats.
Fishing
Although whale sharks have been a protected species since 1995 reports of whale shark fishing are still common. In recent years, divers visiting the Maldives have reported a major decline in shark sightings.
These reports helped to convince the government to make shark fishing, within 12 miles of the outer reef, illegal in the Maldives. Sharks and other big marine species are usually the very reason divers choose to visit one of the world's most beautiful archipelagos - Maldives - after all.
The plan is to make all shark fishing and shark fin trading illegal by March 2010.
http://www.theunderwaterchannel.tv/clipinfo/3020338
The MWSRP now know, through the tagging projects that the charity has undertaken, that some of the sharks choosing to use the Maldives also utilise Indian waters. If you would like to help protect the whale shark you can make a donation to the cause. Please click the red make a donation button, visit our Just Giving page, volunteer your time, Adopt a Shark or buy MWSRP merchandise. Thank you for your support!!!
By - Catch
By-catch, or accidental fishing, is not un-common in the Maldives. Although gill netting is now illegal, evidence of sharks being entangled in these nets is still being recorded by the MWSRP team. Click here to check out WS046 'Jordan'
Boat Strikes
Whale sharks, globally, are very frequently encountered with amputations and lacerations associated with small boat strikes. WS065 'Ayesha' (below left) displays an amputation of the upper caudal lobe. The 6.5 metre female is one of three sharks on the MWSRP database displaying the same amputation. It's clear to see that these sharks expend more energy just to cruise than sharks with complete tails. WS046 'Jordan' (below right) displays 'by catch' scars on his right flank. These are probably a result of being accidently entangled in a gill net.
