unwind® feature | the gypsy of the deep blue

Photo: ScubaDiveMaldives | Flickr

Whale Sharks are majestic creatures found in tropical warm waters and are classified under ‘vulnerable’ category on IUCN – the World Conservation Unions’ Red List of Threatened Animals. These monolithic creatures grow up to 12.65 meters long, weight more than 21.5 tones and live up to 70 years. Despite their aggressive look, these are gentle slow moving creatures that filter feed on planktons, macro-algea, krill and squids.

In comparison with other fish species, these sharks grow slowly, mature late and produce fewer offspring and infrequently. These characteristics make whale sharks even more vulnerable to over-fishing and make the recovery process even more difficult. Whale sharks have been a target by commercial fisherman due to its demand for its high priced menu items such as the shark fin soup – a delicacy in East Asian nations. Its meat is considered ‘exotic’ and is nicknamed “Tofu shark” in Taiwan.

Whale sharks can be in the Maldivian archipelago throughout the year with minor inter-atoll migrations during different seasons for feeding. South Ari Atoll and Baa Atoll are infamous for spotting juvenile whale sharks especially between July and October.

Projects such as “Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme” (MWSRP) focus on Whale Shark conservation initiatives throughout the Maldives through a process of monitoring their behavior and migration patterns with photo-identification, tagging and participating in the international genetic analysis survey. These marine researchers and with generous contributions from Conrad Maldives Rangali Resort & Spa have set up marine protected areas such as the “Fen Maa Dhigu Ran” in South Ari Atoll. Their long term goal is to establish marine sanctuaries which will limit snorkeling and diving activities and restrict unauthorized boats and fishing vessels entering into these zones.