![]() We recommend that you bring a change of clothing for your comfort.ĭue to the sensitive area in which the Whale Sharks congregate, photography by the general public is prohibited The weather is warm and humid at this time of the year. We strongly recommend that flat comfortable shoes are wornĪll guests are advised to wear a hat and sunscreen ![]() A breakfast will follow offering a choice of muffins and pastries plus coffee, tea and a selection of soft drinks. Once we have embarked the catamaran, the captain will formally welcome you and introduce you to facilities on board. Our departure point is Al Ruwais Port in the North of Qatar. You will have an opportunity to view the Whale Sharks without having to enter the water, a unique and responsible experience that doesn’t disrupt their natural habitat. The coastal waters of Qatar provide the perfect location to see large numbers of Whale Sharks that gather to feed close to the surface. ![]() Qatar is home to one of the largest Whale Sharks’ aggregations in the world. One of the world’s last undiscovered gems. To go somewhere unlike anywhere else in the world and to do so in the utmost luxury. The chance to explore an environment so remote that nature and wildlife flourish. Tucked away in the Arabian Gulf, away from mankind, in a destination few are lucky enough to visit, lies the opportunity to experience something no one else ever has before. Price: QAR 1,800 (USD 495) per person 12 years and over, QAR 1,350 (USD 372) for children This explains why there is so little information on females and reproduction.Frequency: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday | Duration: 8 hours Whale sharks also show sex and size segregation, with mostly young male sharks found in coastal feeding areas. They are active sharks, with tagging data showing average daily movements of 24-28km however, many of them show site fidelity. The majority of these sightings are at known aggregation sites where sharks gather together to exploit a rich food source, such as zooplankton or fish spawning. Sightings mostly occur in warm waters, between 26.5oC and 30oC. Whale sharks are found in coastal and pelagic habitats. Although individuals are highly mobile, certain aggregation sites are known to attract hundreds to thousands of individuals at one time. Research suggests 75% of the global whale shark population can be found in the Indo-Pacific, with the remaining 25% in the Atlantic Ocean. Two sub-populations have been identified: One in the Atlantic and one in the Indo-Pacific. Whale sharks are found across the globe in tropical and temperate waters, with the exception of the Mediterranean. NE Not Evaluated DD Data Deficient LC Least Concern NT Near Threatened VU Vulnerable EN Endangered CR Critically Endangered EW Extinct in the Wild EX Extinct Distribution They are also susceptible to being hit by vessels in shipping lanes which can cause fatalities. Although listed on Appendix II of CITES and protected across much of their range, they are still targeted by illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fisheries for their fins, oil and meat. ![]() This is thought to be the largest litter size of any shark!ĭespite their size, whale sharks are vulnerable to overexploitation with data suggesting a 63% decline in the Indo-Pacific over the last 75 years. She was found to be carrying 304 pups in different stages of development, all sired by the same male, suggesting female whale sharks have the ability to store sperm. Pregnant females are occasionally encountered but only a single pregnant female has ever been examined. Reproduction is through aplacental viviparity: embryos are supplied with nutrients from the yolk and stay within the mothers body until ready to hatch, but birthing sites are still unknown. Surprisingly, whale sharks have rows of tiny teeth inside their mouth, the function of which is still a mystery to scientists! Despite being a relatively well studied species, we know little about their reproductive biology. Whale sharks are filter feeders, using their huge gaping mouth to sieve sea water for prey, such as small fishes and crustaceans. The largest individual recorded was 20m in length and weighed 42 tonnes! This charismatic gentle giant attracts researchers and divers alike. The whale shark is the worlds largest living shark and the largest living fish in the sea.
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