Dubai: Whale shark sightings in the Arabian Gulf and, increasingly, in man-made marinas can reveal important information about the gentle giants, and making sure they stay here could mean the survival of the species, says a Dubai-based marine-film producer.
Research continues on the ocean's biggest yet most elusive fish, but it is believed the Arabian Gulf serves as a nursing and feeding ground for female whale sharks, said Jonathan Ali Khan, Wild Planet Productions' producer and researcher.
Sightings are likely to increase as whale sharks have historically travelled to the northern parts of the Arabian Gulf to give birth, as these waters used to provide a safe haven for pups, said Khan, who is currently working on two films on sharks of Arabia, one of which explores the underwater world of whale sharks, specifically in the Arabian Sea.
"For centuries these were safe waters but since the advent of the oil industry the changes have been dramatic and marine life is adapting," he said.
Safety element
The Gulf provides nutrient-rich waters in which whale sharks continue to come and feed.
"The safety element has been removed with breakwaters and marinas but it will become extremely common to see them. It would be great to know if they are male or female as well," he said.
Emerging research shows that male whale sharks congregate mostly towards Djibouti and the Maldives, where sightings of hundreds of whale sharks are frequently tracked. Khan, meanwhile, believes the females could be travelling up the Arabian Gulf to deep waters to give birth.
Each female can have up to 300 pups but the mortality rate is high.
"Even if 50 per cent of them survive, you could have up to 100 in the area so they will be sighted from time to time. The ideal location for whale sharks is off Ningaloo Reef in Australia where you'll see fully grown adults, 50 feet long" he said.
"Juveniles come into the Gulf for sanctuary and to feed so it is of critical importance to the survival of the whale shark."
Deep history: Previous sightings
- August 28, 2008: A four-metre whale shark found struggling in Jebel Ali waters is shipped to large tanks at Atlantis, The Palm.
- May 26, 2007: A shark is spotted near the rocks at Al Mamzar beach.
- February 7, 2007: A four-metre-long whale shark is spotted along the quay at Port Zayed in Abu Dhabi.
- June 25, 2006: Residents and workers at Dubai Marina spot a whale shark swimming through the bay.
- January 19, 2006: A 12-metre-long baleen whale is found dead on Al Mamzar beach with its belly ripped open.
- July 15, 2005: A stranded whale shark attracts more than a thousand onlookers at Dubai Marina.
