Whale sharks ‘exhibit disturbed behaviour in presence of tourist swimmers’
A juvenile whale shark foraging in La Paz Bay, Mexico, as researchers analysed their behaviour when tourists were allowed to shark dive (Joel Gayford/Imperial College London/PA)
Shark tourism – which allows people to dive with the creatures in their natural environment – may be seen as a way to raise money to conserve species but new research suggests it may be not be good for their wellbeing.
Scientists have found that in the presence of human tourists, whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) exhibit disturbed behaviour patterns such as fast, zigzag movements associated with fleeing predators.
