Whale sharks II

PART 1. INTRODUCTION © Kenneth Johnson, Eco Colors

1.1 COURSE OBJECTIVE

“The objective of the ‘Whale Shark Tour Operator Training Tool’ is to help reduce the negative impact of tourism on whale sharks by providing guides with the ability to deliver an informative, safe and sustainable whale shark experience”.

© MWSRP

1.2 COURSE OUTLINE Session 1 1.

Introduction 2.Whale shark Biology and Ecology

© Scubasigns

What we know and what we don’t know about whale shark biology and ecology?

1.2 COURSE OUTLINE Š MWSRP

Session 2 3.

Whale Shark Research How are researchers trying to learn more and how can non-experts get involved?

1.2 COURSE OUTLINE Session 2.

4. Whale Shark Conservation Why is the whale shark vulnerable and what are the main threats? Š WWF Philippines

1.2 COURSE OUTLINE Session 2.

5. Guiding Whale Shark Excursions What can guides do to reduce the pressure of tourism and increase customer satisfaction? Š Kenneth Johnson, Eco Colors

1.3 WORKSHOP RULES Š MWSRP

Following these rules will help the course run smoothly and allow everyone to feel they are contributing to and benefiting from the course: 1. Any questions or comment is a good question or comment.

2. Show respect for others. Be courteous, and listen to what others are saying.

3. Explain your comments but also try and keep your comments to the point (we have limited time and we want to hear from everyone!)

1.4 What do you already know about the whale shark?

The KWL Activity What do you Know?

What do you Want to know?

What have you Learnt?

An opportunity to share your knowledge and measure our progress throughout the course Š MWSRP

PART 2: BIOLOGY & ECOLOGY © Scubasigns

PART 2: BIOLOGY & ECOLOGY Outline 1. Taxonomy and Classification What type of animal is a it?

2. Distribution and Habitat Where do they live?

3. Anatomy and Physiology How do their bodies work?

PART 2: BIOLOGY & ECOLOGY Outline 4. Feeding and Diet What and how do they eat?

5. Reproduction and Life How do they reproduce?

6.

cycle

Predators Which animals prey on whale sharks?

2.1 TAXONOMY & CLASSIFICATION True Sharks The whale shark is a true shark: • It has a skeleton made from cartilage Lighter and more flexible than bone • It’s skin is covered in dermal denticles Tough , parasite repellent and hydro- dynamic • It has several rows of replaceable teeth Teeth always sharp

2.1 TAXONOMY & CLASSIFICATION Shark Success

•These features have made sharks successful animals •Appeared 220 million years before the dinosaurs • 440 different species of shark

A primitive six-gilled frilled shark

Smallest is lantern shark just 17 cm long

• Can exist in many different habitats- even fresh water!

Bull sharks and river sharks happy in fresh water rivers

2.1 TAXONOMY & CLASSIFICATION: Shark Orders

2.1 TAXONOMY & CLASSIFICATION carpet shark features

2 dorsal fins

Nostril barbells

Prominent ridges Mouth at the front of the head

2.2. DISTRIBUTION & HABITAT

© Morgan Riley

• Whale sharks are found in tropical and warm-temperate seas • Whale sharks live off-shore and close to land • They can dive very deep (>1600m), tolerating temperatures as low as 3˚C

2.3 ANATOMY & PHISIOLOGY • • • •

12.85m largest measured WS.(Prob up to 18m) Whale shark skin is 2mm thick covered with denticles Thick (10-15cm) fatty layer under the skin Spot pattern is believed to be unique to each shark and is used to identify individuals

2.3. ANATOMY & PHISIOLOGY: Mouth

•The whale sharks mouth can be 1.5 m wide!

•The whale shark has 300 rows of very tiny rasp-like teeth that have no obvious function •Rhincodon means ‘rasp tooth’ © Scubasigns

2.3. ANATOMY & PHISIOLOGY: Eyes • The eyes are situated on the side of the head to maximize line-of-sight • Vision is probably quite poor - used for detecting movement within 3m • Eyes roll when people get too close or exposed to camera flash

© Scubasigns

2.3. ANATOMY & PHISIOLOGY: Spiracles Small holes behind eyes Function in whale sharks unknown As with other carpet sharks they may help ventilate gills when the shark is stationary

Š Scubasigns

2.3. ANATOMY & PHISIOLOGY: Nostrils • Two circular nostrils widely spaced, at the front.

• Nostril ‘Barbells’ similar to Nurse Shark but smaller.

• Sensitive to dissolved chemicals which can help them locate prey.

© Scubasigns

2.3. ANATOMY & PHISIOLOGY: Gills The gills of whale sharks function to extract oxygen and to filter prey from seawater.

2.3. ANATOMY & PHISIOLOGY: Other Whale Shark senses • Hearing: Largest inner-ear in the animal kingdom. Probably good for low frequency sounds • Lateral Line and Electro-receptors: Unstudied but may have structures other sharks use to detect vibrations and electronic currents

2.4. DIET & FEEDING Prey • Whale sharks feed on tiny prey (>0.5mm) including plankton, eggs and small shoaling baitfish

2.4 DIET & FEEDING Ram Filter Feeding Whale sharks are constantly diving and ascending - possibly in search of food They utilise ‘ram filter feeding’…

© Scubasigns

2.4 DIET & FEEDING Suction Filter Feeding …or ‘Suction’ filter feeding •Suction filter feeding enables WS to feed on more mobile prey • Because WS seek high densities of prey they are often seasonal visitors to specific locations

© Scubasigns

2.4 DIET & FEEDING Other filter feeders • There are two other filter feeding sharks: The Basking shark…

2.4 DIET & FEEDING Other filter feeders ‌ and the Megamouth shark

2.5 REPRODUCTION & LIFECYCLE • Male sharks use claspers to deposit sperm inside the female • Females store the sperm and may use it to fertilize many eggs • Whale sharks give birth to live young – they are Ovoviviparous

Claspers

© MWSRP

© Scubasigns

2.5 REPRODUCTION & LIFECYCLE • Pups are about 60cm long when they are born • Sexually mature at approx 9m or 30yrs • Possibly live until 70 -100 years old • Majority of whale sharks encountered around the world are juvenile males

© WWF Philippines

2.6 PREDATORS © Dennis Kaandorp

• Do not have many natural enemies due to their size • Great white shark and killer whale occasionally attack adult whale sharks • Young sharks found in stomachs of smaller sharks and swordfish

3.0. WHALE SHARK RESEARCH © MWSRP

3.1 WHALE SHARK RESEARCH Outline and Introduction Š MWSRP

Key Whale Shark Questions Common Research Techniques Other research techniques used around the world Getting involved in research

3.2 Key WS Questions What are the characteristics of different whale shark populations?

What are whale sharks critical habitats?

How related are whale sharks around the world?

Where are the mature females?

What is the cultural, economic and ecological value of the whale shark?

Š Scubasigns

3.3 Common Research Techniques Basic Observational Research: All research programmes record this information at every whale shark encounter Useful when used with other techniques such as Photo-Identification

Š MWSRP

3.3. Research Techniques Basic Observational Research: Physical characteristics e.g.

Sex Length Distinguishing features

© Brent Stewart HSWRI

© MWSRP

3.2 Research Techniques Basic Observational Research: Behaviour of the shark: Feeding Cruising Evasive Inquisitive etc

Š Brent Stewart HSWRI

3.2 Research Techniques Basic Observational Research: Environmental Information e.g.

Water temperature Tide stage/ current strength and direction Visibility Weather conditions Prey sampling

Š MWSRP

3.2 Research Techniques Photo Identification: Identifying individual whale sharks using photographs of their spot patterns

1. This area is isolated and the spot pattern is analysed by the software

Special computer software is used to compare the spot patterns Allows researchers to estimate population size, shark growth rates and movements

2. The unique pattern is cross referenced against a database of individuals

3. A match!

Š MWSRP

3.2 Research Techniques Photo Identification Interesting Findings Currently whale sharks photographed in one region are not being photographed by researchers in other more distant regions Suggesting sharks from different regions maybe do not mix a much as first thought

3.2 Research Techniques Photo Identification

3.2 Research Techniques Tagging Visual tags are simply colourful numbered tags used to ID individual whale sharks

Visual tag Š Rachel Graham WCS

Telemetry tags are electronic tags that record information about location, depth and temperature Satellite pop-up tag

Tags are attached under the skin of the shark and either release automatically or need to be removed by hand Removing a telemetry tag by hand Š MWSRP

3.2 Research Techniques Tagging Interesting Findings Whale sharks are highly mobile can make journeys thousands of miles long Whale sharks dive continuously spending very little time near the surface Sometimes diving as deep as 1600 metres where the temperature is as cold as 3 degrees Celsius.

Telemetry Charts Š Brent Stewart HWSRI

3.2 Research Techniques Tagging

Š MWSRP

3.4 Other Research Techniques DNA analysis This can tell us how related whale sharks in different areas are to each other and whether sharks from different regions are mixing and mating.

This may help find and protect the areas where reproductive behaviour takes place

Š Scubasigns

3.4 Other Research Techniques Socio-economic surveys can help to assign an economic or cultural value to the whale shark If the value of the whale shark is high then there is more reason to implement measures to protect them

Š MWSRP

3.5 Getting Involved in Research Tour operators can make a valuable contribution to research and give their trips an added dimension. They should: Get in touch with their nearest whale shark research programme Contribute to international whale shark databases online

Š MWSRP

3.5 Getting Involved in Research The following information should be submitted for every whale shark encounter. A form should be used to ensure a standardized approach:

Time, date and location Photographs of the whale shark Sex of the whale shark Estimated length of the whale shark in metres Distinguishing features

Include GPS coordinates where possible

Tag information Any other observations or comments Š MWSRP

3.5 Getting Involved in Research The following information should be submitted for every whale shark encounter. A form should be used to ensure a standardized approach: Time, date and location

Photographs of the whale shark Sex of the whale shark Estimated length of the whale shark in metres Distinguishing features Tag information Any other observations or comments

Including ID photographs (above) and other observations (scarring, tags etc).

Š MWSRP

3.5 Getting Involved in Research The following information should be submitted for every whale shark encounter. A form should be used to ensure a standardized approach:

Male

Time, date and location Photographs of the whale shark

Sex of the whale shark

Female

Estimated length of the whale shark in metres Distinguishing features Tag information Any other observations or comments

Š MWSRP

3.5 Getting Involved in Research The following information should be submitted for every whale shark encounter. A form should be used to ensure a standardized approach: Time, date and location

Photographs of the whale shark Sex of the whale shark

Estimated length of the whale shark in metres Distinguishing features Tag information Any other observations or comments

Š Kenneth Johnson, Eco Colors

As a guide most snorkelers are roughly 2m with fins

3.5 Getting Involved in Research The following information should be submitted for every whale shark encounter. A form should be used to ensure a standardized approach: Time, date and location

Photographs of the whale shark Sex of the whale shark Estimated length of the whale shark in metres

Distinguishing features Tag information Any other observations or comments

Note down position of any obvious scars, markings or tags Š MWSRP

3.5 Getting Involved in Research The following information should be submitted for every whale shark encounter. A form should be used to ensure a standardized approach: Time, date and location

Photographs of the whale shark Sex of the whale shark Estimated length of the whale shark in metres Distinguishing features

Tag information Any other observations or comments

Note down position, color, condition and number of any tags Š MWSRP

3.5 Getting Involved in Research The following information should be submitted for every whale shark encounter. A form should be used to ensure a standardized approach: Time, date and location

Photographs of the whale shark Sex of the whale shark Estimated length of the whale shark in metres Distinguishing features Tag information

Any other observations or comments

Anything else of interest – strange behaviour, interactions with other sharks etc Š Scubasigns

PART 4. CONSERVATION

© Scubasigns

4.1 CONSERVATION Outline and Introduction Š WWF Philippines

1. Whale shark conservation Status 2. Why is the whale shark vulnerable?

3. Threats to the whale shark worldwide 4. Conservation Solutions

4.2 WS Conservation Status The whale shark is considered ‘Vulnerable to Extinction’ by the IUCN Potential population size reduction of ≥ 30% over 10 – 100 yrs It is protected by international agreements that protect migratory species (CMS) and prevent trade of wildlife products (CITES)

© Marc Zaalberg

4.3 What makes the whale shark naturally vulnerable?

The following natural traits make the whale shark vulnerable to threats:

Slow moving - often close to the surface Slow to reach sexual maturity Infrequent reproduction Highly mobile Š Scubasigns

4.4 Threats to the WS Worldwide Targeted fishing for food, liver-oil or fins

Š WENN

4.4 Threats to the WS Worldwide Accidental fishing - shark is entangled in nets or discarded fishing tackle

4.4 Threats to the WS Worldwide Pollution in the form of chemical spills or refuse

4.4 Threats to the WS Worldwide Collisions with boats

Š MWSRP

4.4 Threats to the WS Worldwide Habitat disturbance caused by unregulated tourism

4.5 Conservation Solutions

Š IFAW

4.5 Conservation Solutions Government protection: National and International

4.5 Conservation Solutions Establish Marine Protected Areas (MPA’s)

© james Hancock

4.5 Conservation Solutions Reduce demand for whale shark products

4.5 Conservation Solutions Sustainable tourism

Š Ecocolors

4.5 Conservation Solutions Research and monitoring

Š Brent Stewart HSWRI

4.5 Conservation Solutions Education

Š MWSRP

PART 5. GUIDING WS EXCURSIONS © Alejandro Remolina Suarez

5.1 Guest Briefing Activity A good guest briefing provides guests with vital information and can create a healthy attitude onboard What information do you think should be included in a guest briefing?

Š MWSRP

5.2 Guest Briefing Content Top tips: Be enthusiastic and professional Use non-verbal communication Keep it short 10-15mins max Use a briefing pack

Š MWSRP

5.2 Guest Briefing Content A good brief should include: Welcome and introductions Timings and destination An introduction to the whale shark Encounter procedure Code of conduct Invitation for questions

Š Ecocolors

5.3 WS Encounter Code of Conduct

Encounter rules differ around the world Both in content and in how they are enforced

5.4 WS Encounter Code of conduct The following rules are found in most countries and are based on research and common sense Vessels must: Keep their distance No closer than 20 metres

20 metres

No vessel zone

5.4 WS Encounter Code of conduct Vessels must: 10

Reduce their speed

kts

2

Max 10kts and 2kts within 50metres of the shark

Within 1km

kts

20 metres

No vessel zone

Within 50m

5.4 WS Encounter Code of conduct Vessels must: 10

Keep to one vessel per shark

kts

Within 1km

2

kts

Other vessels must keep their distance

20 metres

No vessel zone 100 metres

Within 50m

5.4 WS Encounter Code of Conduct

Snorkelers must: Keep their distance (2m head - 3m tail)

2 metres

and Must not obstruct the shark

3 metres

5.4 WS Encounter Code of Conduct

Snorkelers must: Not touch the whale shark

2 metres

3 metres

5.4 WS Encounter Code of Conduct

Snorkelers must: Not use camera flash

2 metres

3 metres

5.4 WS Encounter Code of Conduct

Snorkelers must: Not use scuba scooters

3 metres

4 metres

5.5 Guidelines and Tips for a Longer WS Encounter The following tips and guidelines can help reduce impact and lengthen a whale shark encounter:

Š Scubasigns

5.5 Guidelines and Tips for a Longer WS Encounter Vessel Operator Drop-off guests ahead of shark’s direction of travel Limit the number of people in the water (max 12 people) Pick up guests left behind and drop them back off ahead of the shark Š James Hancock

5.5 Guidelines and Tips for a Longer WS Encounter Vessel Operator Observe a maximum encounter time allowing other vessels access Provide buoyancy aids Fit a propeller cover Apply for a whale shark tour operator’s license Š Ecocolors

5.5 Guidelines and Tips for a Longer WS Encounter Snorkelers Enter the water as quietly as possible Look for directions from the boat crew or their guide Look ahead as they approach the shark Swim alongside the whale shark behind the pectoral fins

Š MWSRP

5.5 Guidelines and Tips for a Longer WS Encounter Snorkelers Avoid duck-diving and do not swim underneath the whale shark Avoid making loud noises, sharp movements and splashing If the shark approaches remain calm and swim to the side Š Ecocolors

5.5 Guidelines and Tips for a Longer WS Encounter Snorkelers Be aware of other guests Wear a buoyancy aid Remember no one can guarantee an encounter Only use biodegradable sunscreen Š Alejandro Remolina Suarez

5.6 Difficult Customers Being in the water can make people unpredictable Give instructions clearly and regularly Use a longer encounter as an incentive to stick to rules Decide on clear policies for dealing with difficult customers Policies should be made standard among tour operators and displayed clearly