Focus on Arts and Ecology

Jon,

Whale sharks are some of the coolest—and most recognizable—fish in the sea. It’s no wonder that these gentle giants have a day of celebration in their honor: International Whale Shark Day.

As we recognize these incredible animals today, I wanted to share some lesser-known facts about whale sharks. Now is the perfect time to wow your friends with some new whale shark knowledge.

 Each whale shark has a unique pattern of markings, just like human fingerprints. Researchers use these spots to tell individuals apart from one another.

 Whale shark mouths are over four feet wide—all the better to filter through lots of seawater to find plankton to eat.

 Whale sharks can weigh up to 20.6 tons, the weight of nearly two school buses.

 Whale sharks are an endangered species, meaning they are at risk of extinction.

You can help whale sharks by supporting ocean conservation work today.

Whale shark numbers around the world have declined by half over the last 75 years, and these huge fish are now considered endangered. It’s crucial that we address the many threats facing whale sharks, including protecting them from plastic pollution. For filter-feeding friends like the whale shark, it’s all too easy for microplastics, or plastic particles smaller in size than a pencil eraser, to become a part of their diet. Even though they are tiny, these microplastics can have an impact—from digestion to development to reproduction—and the effects can be life-threatening.

Protecting whale sharks means fighting factors that endanger their survival. Your donation today will help keep plastics out of our ocean and away from whale sharks.

When you give today, you help Ocean Conservancy advocate for science-based policies that strengthen and protect our ocean, especially from critical threats like the plastic pollution crisis. Your generosity also helps us raise awareness of the risks facing ocean animals and what we can do, together, to stop them.

Support pressing initiatives to prevent plastic pollution in honor of International Whale Shark Day. Your donation supports all animals that call the ocean home, including the iconic whale shark.

For our ocean,

Nicholas Mallos
Senior Director, Trash Free Seas®
Ocean Conservancy

1300 19th Street NW • 8th Floor • Washington, DC 20036 • 800-519-1541
Ocean Conservancy is a 501(c)3 — Donations are 100% tax-deductible as allowed by law.

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