The El Bajón Dive Centre in El Hierro has shared a rare video on their social media after encountering one of many ocean’s most outstanding creatures within the Canary Islands.
“At the moment, our diving journey included a magical encounter with a whale shark. They’re very not often seen in La Restinga, and even much less so within the season we’re in. We’re really fortunate,” the centre commented alongside the video, which showcases the spectacular dimension of the animal.
Whale sharks, the most important fish within the sea, are mild giants recognized for his or her distinctive noticed patterns and immense dimension, typically reaching lengths of as much as 15 metres (nearly 50 toes) or extra. Regardless of their daunting look, they’re filter feeders, primarily consuming plankton and small fish by swimming with their extensive mouths open to filter meals from the water.
These majestic creatures are extremely migratory, travelling nice distances to feed and breed. Typically solitary, whale sharks are often noticed in teams when meals is plentiful.
Their docile nature and the awe they encourage have made them a well-liked topic of ecotourism, contributing to each their conservation and the native economies of coastal communities. Nonetheless, they’re labeled as endangered as a result of threats from overfishing, habitat loss, and local weather change. Conservation efforts are essential to make sure that these magnificent ocean dwellers proceed to thrive.
Whale sharks usually inhabit heat, tropical ocean waters world wide. Their most well-liked habitats embody coastal areas, coral atolls, and lagoons, although they’re additionally recognized to traverse open ocean areas. Key areas the place whale sharks are generally sighted embody:
- The Maldives: Famend for his or her clear waters and plentiful marine life, the Maldives present a great setting for whale sharks.
- Ningaloo Reef, Australia: This reef is likely one of the most well-known whale shark hotspots, particularly from March to July.
- Donsol, Philippines: Recognized for its whale shark ecotourism, Donsol affords wonderful alternatives to swim with these mild giants.
- Isla Holbox and Isla Mujeres, Mexico: These islands are well-known for whale shark aggregations, significantly from Might to September.
- Belize: The Gladden Spit Marine Reserve is one other notable location the place whale sharks collect, significantly across the full moon in the course of the spring and early summer season.
- Tanzania: The waters round Mafia Island are additionally recognized for whale shark sightings, particularly between October and March.
Their presence is kind of uncommon within the colder waters of the Atlantic and the Canary Islands, making such sightings and captures on video a novel occasion on this space.
