@migramarnet

Today on #SharkAwarenessDay we would like to share with you information from one of our member's projects about the whale shark, the world's largest fish. Rhincodon typus, their scientific name, is a common visitor to the Eastern Pacific Satellite tracking of the species has helped offer insights into their migratory and feeding behaviour, but their breeding grounds remain a mystery. Research has helped identify feeding areas in coastal waters, seamounts and ridges of the Panamanian Pacific coast and tagged individuals have travelled towards Mexico and Ecuador. Dr. @[17841422870421158:@hectorguzmanlab] from @[17841404220566515:@smithsonianpanama] indicatesthat regional planning is required to safeguard the species. Although they spent part of their lives in protected areas, they also swim through industrial fishing areas and vessel traffic zones, which could endanger them. Tagged individuals visited 17 protected areas in 5 different countries but spent 77% of their time in unprotected waters. Keep them safe is quite the challenge! @[17841408767111775:@donabertarelli] @[17841428091835948:@wyss_campaign] @[17841400529491649:@mission_blue] @[17841401940199961:@fundacionmarviva] @[17841400817849154:@max_bello] @[17841408142547047:@dr.sylviaearle] @[17841401737208070:@miambientepma] @[17841403925192122:@pelagioskakunja] @[17841448686363710:@jameketchum] @[17841438983748902:@josejuliocasas]