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Do you think that it is acceptable for whale sharks to be held in captivity?. Though there was no definitive cause of death, I felt reassured that it wasnt due to intentional lack of care. [11][60], A juvenile whale shark is estimated to eat 21kg (46 pounds) of plankton per day. Damn tinisoli beat me to the point; while the aquarium shouldn't have been experimenting on the sharks to see if they could keep them (and breed them, as they were intending to do somehow), the sharks would have likely ended up as food if they were not purchased from the Taiwan (they're called "tofu shark" there, if it gives you any hint). They need to be released after that. Are you adding a betta to your households fish tank? And in many aquariums captive sharks mate on a regular basis. #ReverseTheRedDay Aquariums and zoos are very advantageous for learning. [80] Their large size and iconic status have also fueled an opposition to keeping the species in captivity, especially after the early death of some whale sharks in captivity and certain Chinese aquariums keeping the species in relatively small tanks. Lily Goldsmith from Valencia CC. The IUCN red list category consists of extinct, extinct in the wild, critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable, near threatened, conservation dependent, and least concern. Also, saying they have the best care available is tricky. Best Betta Fish Food Options: What Do They Eat? If you encounter a whale shark, leave them alone, give them space, and observe from a distance. Still, we know that habitat loss endangers themoverfishing and being caught as bycatch in fishing nets. Around the world, dolphins and whales in captivity are a popular form of entertainment. [47] Aggregations in that area are among the most reliable seasonal gatherings known for whale sharks, with large numbers occurring in most years between May and September. Whale sharks migrate to feed and possibly to breed. I think that whale species as a whole benefited from the captivity of Ralph and Norton because they allowed more exposure to their species and many people were able to see them up close and personal and were able to learn more about them.Before people either saw them on magazine covers or if they were fortunate enough to travel to places where whale sharks lives. [19][20], The complete and annotated genome of the whale shark was published in 2017. [85][91] Taiwan closed this fishery entirely in 2008. Reminds me of Orr, Yossarians roommate in Catch-22. Associated ecotourism has grown rapidly to unsustainable levels. Are you satisfied with Dr. Carlsons explanation of the deaths of Ralph and Norton?. I think that in this case it was acceptable for the whale sharks to be held in captivity. No other animals were caught as a result of these ones being used by the aquarium. While I do understand the importance of raising revenue for various research projects, I was woundering is the Georgia Aquarium doing anything to raise funds/ awareness of shark finning, which is one of the major causes of elasmobranch population decline? And there certainly is a lot of legit research going on in the back rooms and labs of many aquariums. Visitors to the Georgia Aquarium are taught about the importance of conservation and protecting animals, as well as their natural surroundings, as part of the aquariums mission. Further, as we saw with Finding Nemo, increased exposure of fish can lead to an increased rate of fish-keeping and increased pressure on fish stocks. But then they decided to get the sharks instead from Taiwan, from fishermen who otherwise would've killed the sharks for their flesh and fins. Average Life Span In The Wild: 70 years . As a result, animal welfare activists have called for an end to marine parks, roadside zoos, and aquariums that keep ocean animals in captivity. The Georgia Aquarium staff perform medical assessments on their whale sharks, and they told me that the animals are not stressed. I LIKED sharks my whole life, but not until I had the privilege of sharing the company of sharks in their natural environment that I truly LOVED these animals. Ticket sales make a huge contribution. 3. After all, feeding and housing a shark is an incredibly expensive undertaking for a scientist or researcher. The annual quotas are hard; where the sharks end up doesn't matter. Since these two sharks were bought from the fishery they would have been bush meat, so they were imminently better off at Georgia Aquarium. Do you think that whale sharks as a species benefit from the captivity of these few individuals? Through the power of this platform, you can assist in the preservation of animal rights and the protection of their lives. We start learning about animals at a very young age. Data deficient LC NT VU EN CR EW EX Least Concern Extinct. Please do feel free to try to turn this around on me but take into account a wild animals needs and the needs of those as a species and what that would mean to us. As soon as they saw that the sharks had lost their appetite they immediately stopped the treatments. big sur carmel, monterey itinerary . About 95% of the oscillating period was spent in epipelagic depths (<200 metres (660ft)), but whale sharks also took regular deep dives (>500 metres (1,600ft)), often descending in brief "stutter steps", perhaps for foraging. The two females were added on 3 June 2006 and two more males in 2007. Andy is right in saying we need to stop with the anthropomorphic descriptions of how these animals are feeling. The results in deaths of Ralph & Norton are part of that reason. The aquarium handles this dive better than any aquarium I have seen before. The Georgia Aquarium takes pretty good care of those sharks and I the sharks do benefit from it. Zoos and aquariums perform an important function in conservation efforts. The benefit of people seeing these animals to science and conservation far outweigh the sacrifices made by these particular captive animals. Its sad that it seems like a death sentence to release them. Donsol Bay, Philippines, attracts huge numbers of whale sharks because of the high levels of plankton found in its water. WWF has helped with whale shark tourism there since 1998. It is part one in a series of two interviews with Dr. Carlson about the Georgia Aquarium. I commend them for their initial intentions of rescuing these whale sharks. Whale sharks arent mammals. [3] It can be seen that they were taken care of and monitored regularly, and due to this regulation there are clear theories to the reasons of the sharks deaths. The only part where I have an issue with it is where its too far away for me to visit. Furthermore, the aquarium has specialized feeding requirements and has a large tank, making it possible for whale sharks to swim around in the water. To work around this, Ioworld has a special practice in place. [94], Whale sharks are also known as jinbei-zame in Japan (because the markings resemble patterns typically seen on jinbei); gurano bintang in Indonesia; and ca ong (literally "sir fish") in Vietnam.[95]. Despite the fact that research is still ongoing, we do not know a lot about the gentle giants that have existed millions of years before. Demand for their meat, fins and oil remains a threat to the species, particularly by unregulated fisheries. If there was a more through explanation I would find that more beneficial. Many never get to see what lies beneath the undulating ocean waves, now millions get an IMAX-type view. The absolute beauty of these fish is enough for the public to easily obtain a new found respect and appreciation for the sharks along with other aquatic animals. Dr. Carson generously supported his response to the deaths of Ralph and Norton, and assured us that these deaths were not in any way correlated to maltreatment in the aquarium, so yes, I am satisfied with his statement. Suppose you would like to encounter a whale shark. Allegedly, many aquarium fish (for home as well as commercial aquaria) are taken from areas without adequate controls to ensure that the impact on the ecosystem is managed and sustainable. Out of the 15 individuals tracked, two females were reported as measuring 15m (49ft) and 18m (59ft) respectively. If you want to do whale shark swims, you must first determine whether the swim is ethical and environmentally friendly. I think they did, too. If keeping some creatures in captivity helps educate people so that they help save all the endangered places and creatures, then it is a necessary price to pay. A young female was kept in an outdoor tank for 44 days before releasing her back into the wild. . Was it because of old age or something else. The sharks are now alive, healthy, and being used to educate the public about sharks. On the topic of the deaths of the two sharks, I fail to see how a parasite treatment would cause peritonitis, as Im unfamiliar with whale shark medicine (crazy, huh?). [26][27][28][29] The maximum length of the species is uncertain due to a lack of detailed documentation of the largest reported individuals. It usually roams between 30N and 35S where water temperatures are higher than 21C (70F) but have been spotted as far north as the Bay of Fundy, Canada and the Sea of Okhotsk north of Japan and as far south as Victoria, Australia. When an animal dies in captivity there are always those who want every animal released into the wild. But for THESE specific whale sharks I dont see the the ethical error in rescuing them. Also, whered they get veterinarians trained to manage whale shark health? Why not buy the shark from the Fishermen and then release it ? [40] Tracking devices have shown that the whale shark displays dynamic patterns of habitat utilization, likely in response to availability of prey. Fish may be one thing to keep in captivity, but intelligent animals are another issue entirely. When confined, they are prevented from carrying out natural behaviors, which include roaming up to 100 miles per day, hunting live prey, and interacting with their pod mateswho also suffer when pod members are removed. We recommend this over visiting an aquarium, as many whale sharks have failed to acclimate to life in captivity and died. The photos are fed into a computer database. If no-one can see sense on this, maybe they should stop acting like they know better and research on animlas, conservation, bio-diversity and the need that animals have in the wild that can not be met in captivity. There will never be completely perfect conditions in the wild or in captivity. Thanks for the clarification. improved over the first 2 periods of captivity (1965-1985: 0.906; 1985-2000: 0.941). I can understand both sides. In the case of whale sharks, no captive environment is likely to ever recreate the essentially limitless expanse of the ocean. Toggle navigation. The remaining population of whale sharks is estimated to be somewhere between 120,000 and 240,000 in the wild. We'll have to see how the other three sharks do. Killer whales are a top predator. Not only do these experiences create empathy but being able to monitor these whale sharks over a long period of time allows researchers to track and learn more about whale sharks in general, which is also important to conservation efforts. I have no idea of whether keeping a Whale Shark is OK or not. The animal rights activists like to say these charismatic captives are lonely, swimming in their own urine, cramped swimming in a bathtub, etc. [10][11][12], Evidence suggests that males grow faster than females in the earlier stages of life but ultimately reach a smaller maximum size. I agree with Sweetwater Tom. Right. The suffering of animals in captivity is far worse than that of those in zoos or aquariums, and the loss of their natural habitats prevents them from fulfilling their natural needs and living healthy and free lives. Humans have started considering swimming and diving with whale sharks to be a rewarding experience since they are harmless. They dont have great whites at the Georgia Aquarium. To what extent do aquariums educate and to what extent do they add to pressure upon fish populations? But please dont get fooled when the Siamese fighting fish, Read More Will Betta Fish Kill Each Other, Guppies, Goldfish or Plecos?Continue, Welcome to KuuloaKai.com, Passionate fishermen of Hawaii, 737 Bishop St Suite 1089, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA(808) 809-9914fishing@kuuloakai.com. [2] Studies looking at vertebral growth bands and the growth rates of free-swimming sharks have estimated whale shark lifespans at 80130 years. 03 Jun. They can't differentiate between plankton and little pieces of. We are part of Science 2.0,a science education nonprofit operating under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Millions are taken legally every year, millions more illegally by finners. I think that the dive with the sharks program is definitely appropriate, it allows divers to get a more up close and personal look at various species and in turn they can educate others about these animals and the importance of conservation which is always important for studies and future generations. But seriously, I agree with the idea that the sharks are better off alive (as opposed to being item #43 on a Chinese restaurant menu) and serving to educate the public. [88][89], Outside Asia, the first and so far only place to keep whale sharks is Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, United States. The most significant difference between these two sharks is how they feed. [25] One study looking at free-swimming whale sharks estimated the age at maturity in males at ~25 years. The sharks were facing the open market of Taiwan where the meat surely would have laid upon the extravagant pallets of Taiwanese consumers. ( Rowat and Brooks, 2012; Taylor, 1994) Range lifespan Status: wild unknown (low) years Range lifespan Status: captivity 9 (high) years Typical lifespan [69], The shark is seen by divers in many places, including the Bay Islands in Honduras, Thailand, Indonesia (Bone Bolango, Cendrawasih Bay), the Philippines, the Maldives close to Maamigili (South Ari Atoll), the Red Sea, Western Australia (Ningaloo Reef, Christmas Island), Taiwan, Panama (Coiba Island), Belize, Tofo Beach in Mozambique, Sodwana Bay (Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park) in South Africa,[69] the Galapagos Islands, Saint Helena, Isla Mujeres (Caribbean Sea), La Paz, Baja California Sur and Baha de los ngeles in Mexico, the Seychelles, West Malaysia, islands off eastern peninsular Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka, Oman, Fujairah, Puerto Rico, and other parts of the Caribbean. There has been much proof on top of dolphins in captivity being harmed, distressed and even dying through the trauma of capture and also other problems and consequences that people just do not want to face up to. The sheer effort taken to successfully and safely transports the sharks says a lot in itself. The longest a great white was held in captivity was at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, in September 2004. Did you know that proper fish storage is essential to keep it fresh and taste good? Both young whale sharks and pregnant females have been seen in the waters of St Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean, where numerous whale sharks can be spotted during the summer. I love the idea of knowing that they are in the ocean swimming freely, but if it wasnt for the Georgia Aquarium I may have never stumbled upon how fascinating these fish are. [28] In 2011, laser photogrammetry was proposed to improve in-water measurement accuracy.[28][30]. Do you have the full interview? Again you raise the bar for science blogs and science reporting. I think animal activists need to worry about something else. I also do not agree totally on the notion that seeing things in captivity live necessarily motivates kids to become something in later life. And four other whale shark facts. Sometimes trying to establish connections lead to programs like diving with the sharks. We recommend Feedly for RSS management. The Dive with the Sharks program probably isnt the best if the participants are not going to be fully trained how to interact with the animals. If action is not taken soon, we may only ever watch these majestic animals through a glass barrier. This is the reason given for the excuse to take animals out of the wild and place them behing bars. Im satisfied with Dr. Carlesons explanation of Ralph and Nortons death. They have a long muzzle and sharp fangs designed to, Over at Sciam's Mind Matters, Melody Dye has a great post on the surprising advantages of thinking like a baby. No problem Laelaps. I have recently seen Sammy the whale shark in the Atlantis Hotel Dubai and its a disgracemany articles you can read about it on the web ! They was born to eat anything they want in the water. Good thing sharks arent human. It is very much acceptable for whale sharks to be held in captivity, especially in an environment that takes their best upbringing into great consideration. Sharks natural movements and reactions are not limited or restricted. In the hypothetical scenario of swallowing a human, its not like the whale shark would gulp the human down the throat, never to be seen again. Hypothetically, a whale shark can swallow a human, but it has never happened as far as we know. I thought that Dr. Carlsons explanations of why Ralph and Norton died was a bit brief, I thought it was a little sketchy, he just brushed over it, and really did not give any straightforward answer. [25] Various studies looking at vertebrae growth bands and measuring whale sharks in the wild have estimated their lifespans from ~80 years and up to ~130 years. At least in captivity we know theyre safe as opposed to the open ocean where they are subject to fishermen. It could very well be a spin story. WWF noted that very young whale shark juveniles" were identified among the 168 individuals spotted in the first half of 2019. Rick, I was not suggesting that unethical and inhumane collecting and display practices are permissible if done in the name of science, but rather suggesting that these institutions aren't even trying to learn anything about the animals they have captured. Diet The white shark is one of the ocean's most famous predators. To me the main point that I was able to gather from the article was the Georgia Aquarium bought the whale sharks to benefit their business first, with the animals concern next. Animals mating in captivity is perhaps the single greatest indicator of happiness, that is, that all their needs are being taken care of. Whale sharks are believed to have a life span similar to humans, ranging from 70-100 years, but some believe they could live even longer. Once again I do not like animals being held in captivity unless it is in order to help them health wise. They swim around with their mouths open, and water and potential food pass through their filter pads and gills. Did you know that bettas are total cold-blooded savages? Humpback whales? Only five aquariums in the world have one of these animals. The people from South-west England who own/lease an island in Africa near the congo and rehabiliate gorillas from a young age back into the wild, with success, are much better to be honest than those who like a whale shark, an animal with strong wild instincts to be locked up in unnatural conditions. While the whale shark is the largest fish in the world today, an extinct species known as Megalodon was once the largest predator on Earth. Their mouth alone stretches four feet wide. Sightings confirmed that the whale sharks were unable to avoid the oil slick, which was situated on the surface of the sea where the whale sharks feed for several hours at a time. They would also be less exposed to danger if they are not released back into the wild. The trend at the moment is for whale sharks, what will be next? The same documentary showed footage of a whale shark timing its arrival to coincide with the mass spawning of fish shoals and feeding on the resultant clouds of eggs and sperm. There's something very uplifting about such an enormous animal being so gentle. However, any aquarium is still a business at heart. However, the survival of captive orcas to certain age milestones is poor compared to that of orcas in the wild. Well, I'll admit to something of the same emotional reaction but surely the corollary is that there's something nasty and offputting about a great white shark being so cruel? Their feeding behavior is more characteristic of whales than sharks, which is how it got its name. The species was distinguished in April 1828 after the harpooning of a 4.6m (15ft) specimen in Table Bay, South Africa. Fortunately, some zoos and aquariums have begun to house these species in captivity, which is a fantastic achievement. Historically, techniques such as comparisons to objects of known size and knotted ropes have been used for in-water measurements and may suffer from inaccuracy. In any case, any kid at a young age who KNOWS what he/she wants to do at a later age and actually follows through with that is probably in the minority and is probably going to be ending up that way anyway. Because they eat plankton and nekton, they are one of the most harmless animals in the ocean, and they have been observed avoiding human contact. Another thing I would like to address is the money factor. Menu. Their presence suggests that the Ticao Pass may be a pupping ground for whale sharks, further increasing the ecological significance of the area. Personally, I have always been in love with whale sharks. Seeing an aquarium shark is an unforgettable experience for anyone, but seeing one in its natural environment is that and more. 1250 24th Street, N.W. According to a recent Nature article, these species appear to be an unsuitable choice for zoos and aquariums because confinement interferes with too much of their behavior. You disagree with the statement "aquariums have to draw visitors"? We need to learn more about these fantastic creatures. So I try in any way I can to support the cause of these sea creatures and I guess that is the promient cause and effect of Aquariums. Happiness is a complex emotion probably not capable in fish, just based on the structure and processing capabilities of the brain. The average life expectancy differs by shark species, and sharks in captivity have a shorter lifespan than those in their natural habitat. My point on this is that the aquarium is now funding the hunting for and wild capture of whale sharks as well as other exotic animals and thus threatening whale shark population numbers. If thats not possible, the tanks should be very large, as they have apparently done in Georgia. I dont think a fish, even a big fish such as a whale shark has as much of an intellectual sense as say a monkey. NOTE: This blog has moved. The aquarium seems to think they did a good thing by taking the shark from the Taiwanese quota. Globally, dolphins and whales in captivity form a multi-billion dollar industry . Not to be redundant, but one must consider the small percentage of these creatures that are being put on display for the greater good of the entire species.