The Whale Shark’s Secret Home Found

An Indonesian study has now revealed the previously unknown migratory patterns of whale sharks in the world’s oceans. These giant fish are found in the waters of 13 countries, but have two bays in Indonesia “that are like home to them.”

A total of 70 sharks in the Pacific and Indian Oceans were tagged over a ten-year period to map their movement patterns.

The results showed that, among other things, they travel through waters in 13 different countries. Most gathering sites are seasonal, but to the researchers’ surprise, there are two places “that are like home” for the whale sharks—they are present year-round in the large bays of Cenderawasih and Saleh in Indonesia.

Stranded whale sharks have become more common in Indonesia in recent years. The species has been listed as endangered since 2016 and is primarily threatened by pollution and collisions with ships.