The World’s Biggest Fish.
A week in the field with Whale Shark Mexico.
Each winter, strong northern winds blow suspended plankton into bays near La Paz, Mexico where whale sharks will congregate to feed all season long. In the field, this team of researchers, Deni Ramirez, Jorge Mendoza and Arthur Caulliez, track and ID whale sharks, records their population numbers, movements, injuries and locations to amass data for conservation efforts.
The researches at Whale Shark Mexico use their data and footage from fieldwork to collaborate with the Mexican government and local tourism operators to enhance marine protected areas and whale shark conservation in the Sea of Cortez. Their work is a great example of how research can contribute to the rise of collaborative environmental governance in a way that includes a diversity of voices to benefit marine life, a strong local economy and connected web of life.
