Ocean Sentry
(From abc.net.au) Darwin, Australia – A Darwin conference has been told that eco-tourism could be the best way to save dwindling whale shark populations off the north coast of Australia. Whale sharks can grow up to seven metres long and can live for 150 years, but they are a popular delicacy in some parts of south-east Asia.
Scientists say whale shark numbers have depleted over the past 10 years and the vulnerable animals are not growing to their normal size.
Marine scientist Mark Meekin says promoting the sharks for their tourism value could save the population from further decimation.
