Abstract:
Relatively little is known about what the primary factors are that drive whale shark aggregations. Their biological characteristics of slow growth, late sexual maturation and infrequent productivity make them particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic mortality from target fisheries and bycatch. This can make discerning influences on their movement patterns even more challenging. This study looks at two key aggregations sites in the Republic of Maldives. South Ari MPA is perhaps unique in facilitating an annual aggregation of whale sharks, whereas Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll is famous for attracting whale sharks primarily to feed. In recent years whale shark sightings have drastically decreased in Baa atoll in comparison to South Ari Atoll where whale shark sightings have remained fairly constant. This study uses photo identification methods to track where the whale sharks are going when they disappear from Baa. Satellite imagery is also used to extract data on sea surface temperature, chlorophyll-a and bathymetry for the Maldives in order to develop a hypothesis to what factors are driving whale sharks to abandon Baa Atoll
