Monday December 9, 2024
Forbes —
Australia’s Ningaloo Reef is known for its breathtaking turquoise waters and diverse array of marine life. Home to over 500 different species of fish, the elusive (and rather massive) whale shark is arguably the face of the whole region as they annually aggregate here between April to August each year. It is such an iconic visitor, it is Western Australia’s marine animal emblem and is protected in Australian waters under both state and federal law! As the world’s largest fish, Rhincodon typus draws in thousands of visitors annually, contributing significantly to the local economy.
But some whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef have displayed unusual white patches on their skin. Dr. Mark Meekan, a lead researcher from The University of Western Australia’s Ocean Institute, notes that these patches have raised concerns, as they may signal skin disease and potentially indicate poor health. For a huge animal that lives mostly unseen in open ocean waters, even subtle changes in skin appearance can be a valuable indicator of underlying health problems.
Whale sharks are filter-feeders, meaning they eat by sifting small fish, shrimp, and other organisms from the water; this method of feeding makes them highly susceptible to pollutants we’ve discarded into the ocean. These pollutants include plastics, as well as organic chemicals like flame retardants, which can be toxic. As whale sharks swim through polluted waters, they can ingest small particles and toxins, exposing them to the adverse effects of these contaminants over time. Researchers from UWA and Flinders University up to examine the condition of whale sharks and search for signs of pollution-linked health issues. The project is co-funded by the Jock Clough Marine Foundation.