Evidence of continued hunting of whale sharks Rhincodon typus in the Maldives

Abstract

Superficial dermal wounds in whale sharks are reported to heal rapidly as with many other elasmobranchs. Here observations of two wounded whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) in Maldivian waters suggest that free ranging sharks are able to recover and rapidly heal from the effects of deeper wounding on internal organs or amputations. One specimen observed impaled by a wooden harpoon shaft, was subsequently re-encountered nearly a year later. The other suffered a near severed first dorsal fin but showed signs of rapid healing. These observations illustrate that despite national bans in whale sharks fishing, the practise persists in the Maldives. Further research to increase understanding of the demography of aggregations of this species is necessary before the impact of illegal exploitation on regional population trends can be determined. National governments are encouraged to enhance marine conservation outreach and education programmes throughout their territories.

Population structure of a whale shark Rhincodon typus aggregation in the Red Sea

“…Rhincodon typus is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN because of its high value in international trade, presumed K‐selected life history, migratory nature and low regional abundances which make it susceptible to exploitation and unlikely to recover from sustained targeted harvesting (Norman, ). This assessment is supported by the rapid declines in catch per unit effort observed in most targeted fisheries, many of which have collapsed and closed (Rao, , ; Chen et al , ; Pine et al , ; Quiros, ; Riley et al , ). Despite these closures, poaching (Riley et al , ), by‐catch and a newly opened fishery in China (Li et al , ) continue to threaten R. typus populations.…”

“…This assessment is supported by the rapid declines in catch per unit effort observed in most targeted fisheries, many of which have collapsed and closed (Rao, , ; Chen et al , ; Pine et al , ; Quiros, ; Riley et al , ). Despite these closures, poaching (Riley et al , ), by‐catch and a newly opened fishery in China (Li et al , ) continue to threaten R. typus populations.…”

Stable isotope profiles in whale shark (Rhincodon typus) suggest segregation and dissimilarities in the diet depending on sex and size

“…In 2001, the Government of India granted protection from fishing to the whale shark through the Wildlife (Protection) Act (Dutta 2001) and, in 2002, the Convention on Migratory Species included the species in Appendix II (IUCN 2003) thus implementing restrictions on its international commerce. However, poaching activities and illegal trade continued on small scale in the region (Riley et al 2009). …”

The use and abuse of photographic identification in sharks and rays

“…Potential predators were investigated through bite mark analysis and the bite wounds themselves were monitored to track healing rates. Wound healing in R. typus has also been examined in cases of shark bites (Fitzpatrick et al , 2006) and human‐induced injuries (Riley et al , 2009). A broader comparison between scarring frequency, origins and their influence on survivorship was conducted between R. typus aggregations in Mozambique, the Seychelles and Western Australia (Speed et al , 2008).…”