Whale Shark Facebook

December 27, 2007

Known as "the gentle giant," the whale shark is the world's largest shark. It weighs as much as 20 tons and is about the size of a bus. Because of its rarity and intimidating size, this shark is not often witnessed up close and in person by most of us shark fans outside of Shark Week and other TV showings. Australian marine scientist Brad Norman swam directly alongside the huge fish for over a decade while tracking shark populations at Ningaloo, Western Australia, which looks like paradise to me. You can read our story about his work here. Have any of you ever explored the reef there? If so, I'd love to hear about your experience.

For now, take a virtual vacation by checking out some of Norman's photographs of these magnificent creatures. Please click on each image for a larger view.

                                                                                                          

Comments

[Bpaul]

I was so pleased to read that the regulations protecting these majestic beauties off Australia are working, and the population looks healthy. So rare to get good conservation news, especially from the ocean.

Those are fantastic photos.

Bpaul

[Jen Viegas]

Many thanks for taking the time to write, Bpaul. If done correctly, ecotourism presents such a win-win situation for both people and animals. Local economies especially can benefit. We need more such programs here in the U.S. Ningaloo is such a unique spot, though. If you haven't been there before, I hope you can visit someday.