HOW TO HAVE A RESPONSIBLE WHALE SHARK ENCOUNTER IN THE MALDIVES
If you have traveled with us on our Conservation Cruise or Marine Life Break, you will know that whale sharks evoke a sense of awe and wonder, captivating those fortunate enough to witness their presence. Despite being classified as one of the largest fish in the ocean, these magnificent creatures dwell peacefully in the profound depths. Their harmless nature adds to their majestic allure, leaving a lasting impression on all who cross paths with them.
We are fortunate that whale sharks are present in the Maldives throughout the year and that Alif Dhaalu Atoll (South Ari) is home to a remarkable year-round aggregation of juvenile whale sharks. These sharks, which find their sanctuary in South Ari, exhibit the highest residency and re-sighting rate ever recorded globally.
Despite the Maldives being an optimal habitat for whale sharks, these majestic creatures are confronted with mounting threats such as microplastics, vessel collision due to unregulated tourism, entanglement in ghost nets and habitat destruction. As a result, they have been classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List, transitioning from the vulnerable category to endangered in 2014, with an overall decline of 63% in the Indo-Pacific region alone over the past 75 years.
Secret Paradise Maldives recognizes the importance of ensuring that our guides and guests possess both knowledge and a deep understanding of the natural behaviors exhibited by these extraordinary creatures. Through our tours we aim to foster a culture of education, minimizing potential adverse effects and developing a profound respect for these gentle giants.
BEHAVIORS WHALE SHARKS EXHIBIT IN THE MALDIVES
There are a number of behaviors whale sharks in the Maldives demonstrate and these include:
Cruising: Cruising is the most commonly observed behavior in South Ari and plays a crucial role in providing the necessary recovery time for these magnificent creatures. This is characterized by their slow-paced swimming near the water’s surface, serving as part of their thermoregulation process. It commonly occurs either directly on or near the reef, with the dorsal fin typically remaining beneath the water’s surface. During this period, the whale shark may appear initially sluggish as it returns from cooler and oxygen-depleted depths.
Evasive: Another frequently observed behavior in SAMPA is described as “evasive.” Sharks exhibiting evasive behavior have the shortest encounter duration, averaging 5.9 minutes, with some encounters lasting less than 30 seconds. Evasiveness is considered an unnatural behavior, typically occurring when the shark’s cruising behavior is disrupted by human presence. This can be characterized by factors such as fast swimming, abrupt turns, banking, or diving off the reef in either a steep or gradual manner. These behaviors often occur when snorkelers or vessels fail to adhere to the code of conduct.
Inquisitive: Inquisitive behavior is a fascinating sight, commonly exhibited by Whale Sharks that are new to the area. It involves the shark actively showing interest in something, often a snorkeler or the boat’s hull. This behavior is characterized by the shark following snorkelers, swimming towards them, or circling around as if inspecting the point of interest. It is important to note that inquisitive individuals are prone to injuries due to this behavior. Therefore, please remember to follow the code of conduct and provide the shark with adequate space if such an encounter occurs.
Interaction: This behavior is seldom seen in SAMPA and, similar to inquisitiveness, it is thrilling to witness. Whale sharks are predominantly solitary creatures and are not typically social unless they gather in response to a food source. Interactions can occur when two individuals cross paths and show interest in each other. They may engage in circling behavior, seemingly inspecting one another.
Feeding: Whale sharks, are filter feeders and rely on plankton as their primary food source. While feeding is not the main behavior observed in SAMPA whale sharks, it is indeed witnessed. There are two main types of feeding behaviors observed in Maldives: RAM Filter Feeding, where the whale shark opens its mouth wide to allow plankton to flow in, and Suction Feeding, where they optimize feeding efficiency by drawing in large volumes of water containing plankton.
HOW TO BEHAVE WHEN INTERACTING WITH WHALE SHARKS
When interacting with whale sharks, or any marine life, it is crucial to prioritize their well-being and follow the code of conduct provided to you by your guide. The code of conduct encompasses our behavior both in and out of the water as divers, snorkelers or vessel operators. Sharing the water with these endangered gentle giants is a privilege and it is essential to maintain the harmony and well-being of whale sharks and their fragile ecosystem.
SEARCH SLOWLY: Vessels should cruise below ten knots within reef areas, in order to reduce the risk of collisions.
DO NOT TOUCH: Whale sharks should not be touched as they are not accustomed to tactile interaction. Touching them can disrupt their natural behaviors and cause them to end the encounter prematurely.
MAINTAIN DISTANCE: Keep a minimum distance of 3 meters from the body and 4 meters from the tail of the whale shark. These magnificent creatures can move swiftly, so maintaining distance is crucial for both your safety and the well-being of the shark. Position yourself midway along the shark, stay calm and keep your movements slow and splash-free. If you are lucky enough to witness a shark feeding in a vertical position do not swim within 5 meters of the shark. Allowing it to continue feeding undisturbed.
AVOID OBSTRUCTION: Blocking the path of a whale shark can cause distress and may lead them to leave the area. If a whale shark approaches you on its own, quickly move out of its way to allow it to continue its natural movement.
SWIM BEHIND, NOT ON TOP: Allow the whale shark space to rise to the surface for thermoregulation. If you need to cross to the other side of a cruising shark at the surface, swim around and behind its tail while maintaining distance. If the shark is swimming at a depth of 5 meters or more, it is safe to swim above it to cross.
DO NOT CHASE: Return to the boat when the shark has swum away, the encounter should be allowed to end on the shark’s terms.
NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY: Avoid using bright and unexpected flashes of light during photography as Whale Sharks may react negatively to such disturbances.
MINIMIZE NOISE: Boat engines should be off or idle for both your safety and that of the sharks. When exiting the vessel for the encounter, choose a seated position instead of jumping from a standing position. Refrain from shouting and keep your fins underwater to reduce noise and excessive splashing. Remember that whale sharks have the largest eardrums in the world, so it is essential to maintain a quiet environment during encounters as sudden movements and splashing can startle a whale shark and end an encounter before it has even begun.
The code of conduct also limits the number of boats to one per shark and recommends limiting number of people in the water to 12 per shark, as encounters that are too crowded or noisy can alter their natural behavior. Upholding a responsible code of conduct is essential to maintain the harmony and well-being of whale sharks and their fragile ecosystem.
By following these guidelines, we can ensure responsible and respectful interactions with Whale Sharks, promoting their well-being and preserving their natural behaviors. Not only will this allow us to appreciate their beauty but will safeguard their existence for future generations. Let’s embrace our role as stewards of the ocean and preserve these magnificent creatures for years to come.
PURPOSEFUL MALDIVES MARINE LIFE TRAVEL
Make your Maldives travel plans purposeful by joining our 8 Day Marine Life Conservation Cruise or by volunteering with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Program. Experience our island paradise home while actively participating in conservation efforts. Together, we can make a difference.
Our Marine Life Conservation Cruise takes you on a journey of exploration and discovery onboard MY Felicity. Embark on unforgettable snorkelling encounters with majestic whale sharks, accompanied by experts from the Maldives Whale Shark Research Program. Actively contribute by assisting in data collection, including the identification of individual whale sharks. Gain in-depth knowledge on coral reefs and sea grass from local NGO Save the Beach, support island beach cleans and return home in the knowledge that you have left a positive mark on your holiday destination.
To find out more about our Marine Life Conservation Cruise read this article written by a recent guest who traveled with us.
