#depthsofthesea

Okay, so today we're gonna talk about Whale sharks!

ECOSYSTEM/HABITAT

Coastal to open ocean (pelagic); sometimes aggregate around specific reefs or beaches.

LENGTH

Whale sharks can be anywhere from 18-33 feet long, this means they can either be the size of a SUV or a 3 story building

WHERE ARE THEY FOUND

Most whale sharks can be found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They also prefer to inhabit the epipelagic zone(sunlight zone)

IMPORTANT

Whale sharks are currently being overpoached and they are being caught and sold for their meat and fins(absolutely horrid) if whale sharks are to die off that would mean plankton in the sea would be in abundance. What this means is it would cause algal blooms which would lead to reduced oxygen levels, light being blocked from the ocean, gill clogging and it will release harmful toxins to other sea creatures making them sick. All of this will soon lead to the destruction of their habitat.

This is why whale sharks are, absolutely detrimental to the sea and its well-being. They are gorgeous to look at but yet another factor in the ocean's ecosystem that needs protection. All of these ocean animals deserve a safe home and to not be poached. I'll be sharing some conservation sites as well.

https://friendofthesea.org/marine-conservation-projects-and-awareness/whale-shark/

https://www.ifaw.org/animals/whale-sharks

https://marinemegafauna.org/whale-sharks

https://www.cdc.gov/harmful-algal-blooms/about/harmful-algal-blooms-contributing-factors-and-impacts.html

https://coconutsammi.co.za/the-symbolism-of-the-majestic-whale-shark/

https://www.gviusa.com/blog/international-whale-shark-day/#:~:text=So%2C%20if%20these%20creatures,numbers%20are%20decreasing%20each%20year.

FUN FACTS

Whale sharks can live up to 150 years so many we see today will continue to live on. They are also know as the gentle giants of the sea as they don't go out of their way to seek humans.

https://www.seakayakadventures.com/blog/majestic-whale-shark#:~:text=An%20extraordinarily%20long%20lifespan,of%20their%20vertebral%20growth%20bands.

SEA MAGIC

How can whale sharks influence your sea magic?

Well let's take a look!

They can embody a sense of peace, tranquility, wisdom and protection. Remember when trying to work with or call upon a whale shark to be as gentle and kind as they are!

Remember to protect and conserve your oceans and its sea life💙