New Eleuthera Whale Shark Study Prompts PSA Promoting More Eco-Friendly Snorkeling & Scuba Diving Practices
Few human experiences on Earth may be more humbling than crossing paths with the colossal majesty of a whale shark in the wild.
In new research published in the Journal of Fish Biology, scientists with the Cape Eleuthera Institute report numerous whale shark sightings in previously-undocumented areas of The Bahamas - notably in places known to be popular with tourists.
The findings are undoubtedly exciting for those who love snorkeling and diving off the coast of Eleuthera and throughout the Bahamas.
But researchers also raised concerns about a handful of harmful human-shark interactions. They're now calling for a broader commitment to more environmentally-friendly snorkeling and diving practices.
Where the Whale Sharks Are
Whale sharks aren't whales at all. They are the world's biggest fish.
These white-spotted behemoths can grow up to 60+ feet (though most are somewhere between 18 and 32 feet) and live up to 100 years.
Despite being carnivores with a 4-ft mouth span and 300 rows of tiny teeth, they don't actually use their teeth when gulping in tons of plankton and other small sea creatures. And when it comes to humans, whale sharks are docile.
They are migratory and have a broad distribution globally, at least within tropical and warm temperate seas. They're known to inhabit both deep and coastal waters, as well as lagoons of coral atolls and reefs.
The Bahamas is not a whale shark "hot spot," but single sharks can be seen here occasionally, usually from December to March. Bonus: This is also the dry season, when visibility in the water is greatest.
Why Whale Sharks Need Protection
Scientists at The Cape Eleuthera Institute in Eleuthera noted that while The Bahamas is within the known range of whale sharks, the region is often overlooked for scientific monitoring of the species. That's a problem, they say, because tracking the full scope of the whale sharks' global migration patterns can yield vital insight - particularly considering they are listed as endangered by the IUCN.
To close this knowledge gap, researchers dove into scholarly databases & scientific indexes - but also combed social media posts from 2009-2023 in search of photos & videos of local whale shark encounters with divers, snorkelers, and boaters.
They found several. Unfortunately, some of those encounters involved people getting way too close to the whale sharks. Some swimmers touched and petted the sharks. A few hitched a ride on their dorsal fins. Some of the sharks also showed signs of boat-related injuries.
Scientists said these findings were insightful for a couple reasons:
1. The sightings occurred in high-tourist areas where whale shark presence had not previously been documented. Locations included popular snorkeling spots in South Eleuthera and Spanish Wells. Researchers recorded the date, time, location, size, sex, and behavior of the whale sharks - information that could be valuable in future collaborative research on the species.
2. The photos and videos revealed that too many snorkelers & divers are failing to follow sustainable practices during wildlife encounters. Touching or riding a whale shark "could have adverse impacts on [the whale shark's] behavior and well-being."
Whale shark sightings are thrilling - and we're excited that visitors to Eleuthera may have more opportunities for the experience than previously realized. But divers and snorkelers must be cautious and respectful during wildlife encounters. They should take care to keep a safe distance from large marine animals and avoid direct contact with them whenever possible.
Bahamian Protections of Marine Life
"Sustainable" tourism involves being considerate of the economic, social, and environmental impacts of one's actions while visiting. Sustainable snorkeling and diving takes into account the well-being of other people, animals, plants, and marine habitats you encounter.
More animal protections are outlined in Section 4 of the Bahamas Marine Mammal Protection Act. All are prohibited from taking, harassing, hunting, killing (or attempting any of the above) any marine mammal. Direct contact is only allowed if it's necessary to save the creature from stranding/beaching.
Sustainable snorkeling & diving protects sharks and other animals - which is also good for the Bahamian people. The Cape Eleuthera Institute conducted a study in 2017 that revealed 43% of divers visited the Bahamas expressly to dive with sharks. Shark-based tourism generates an estimated $114 million annually for the country's economy.
The Bahamas values its crystal clear waters - and the wildlife within them. It established the first shark sanctuary in the Atlantic Ocean (the 4th globally) in 2011. Within the entire Bahamian economic zone - stretching 200 miles from all shorelines - the government has banned all commercial shark fishing and the sale, trade, and possession of any shark or shark parts.
How to Practice Sustainable Snorkeling & Diving in Eleuthera
Per the Coral Reef Alliance & World Sustainability Organization
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