This experiment is part of the Ocean Solutions Challenge Grant. Browse more projects

How do whale sharks catch fish?

$3,236
Raised of $4,850 Goal
67%
Ended on 11/16/22
Campaign Ended
  • $3,236
    pledged
  • 67%
    funded
  • Finished
    on 11/16/22

About This Project

Whale sharks are known to mostly feed on many kinds of plankton, however when conditions are right whale sharks also feed on fish. Considering fish are more mobile, why do whale sharks exert effort to feed on prey more difficult to capture than plankton? Waters surrounding Bahia de Los Angeles, Mexico are home to whale sharks that have been observed feeding on fish. New observations will be made to try to understand hunting strategies whale sharks use to capture fish.

Ask the Scientists

Join The Discussion

What is the context of this research?

In places like Utila, Honduras it has been found that small fish comprise a larger part of the whale shark's diet than expected out of a filter feeding shark species that can more easily feed on plankton. Similar phenomena have been observed in Djibouti, Philippines, Australia, and more. Whale sharks across the globe may have discovered ways of capturing mobile fish prey. Learning how whale sharks hunt mobile fish species like anchovies may reveal the importance these fish species hold in sustaining a healthy whale shark population as well as fill the gaps in knowledge regarding hunting strategies.


What is the significance of this project?

Whale sharks are a highly sought after species for exciting wildlife encounters in many locations around the world. In order to protect whale sharks, it's critical to understand which prey species they rely on, which species they may associate with symbiotically, and what regions they inhabit that allow for these ecological events. Whale shark tourism also greatly benefits communities like Bahia de Los Angeles and many others that partly rely on whale shark ecotourism for their local economy.

What are the goals of the project?

Bahia de Los Angeles is known for a high frequency of whale shark encounters, therefore a collection of several hours of whale shark encounter footage can result. Ecological interactions that further describe ways in which whale sharks may rely on other species to help catch fish or rather how whale sharks cooperate with each other to accomplish the same task will hopefully be filmed. Frequency of occurrence will be noted for baitfish prey species as well as potential symbiotic predators like dolphins for all encounters. In addition, frame by frame analysis will be used to estimate swim speeds for species when possible which may suggest whale sharks rely on faster predators to do hunting work for them or whale sharks can accomplish this task alone.

Budget

Please wait...

The current budget covers a 2 month expedition in Bahia de Los Angeles working alongside the Vermilion Sea Institute marine conservation team. Several whale shark encounters are expected to occur daily, this funding will allow the team to make as many observations of hunting strategies and potential symbiotic relationship as necessary to answer the research question.

Endorsed by

Science is still making new discoveries about the diet and feeding behavior of the world's largest shark. Pat is incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about whale sharks, and his work will be an important step in assessing the dietary importance of small fish to whale shark populations. I'm very excited about his potential findings!

Project Timeline

Project will begin in late August 2022 and proceed until late October 2022 with potential for a third month of observations. Once field observations are complete, scientific analysis and writing will follow with a final report and possible publication being given at University of Miami in May 2023.

Aug 30, 2022

Travel to Bahia de Los Angeles

Oct 10, 2022

Project Launched

Oct 31, 2022

Acquire all possible footage of unique whale shark feeding behaviors

Nov 07, 2022

Review all acquired video footage

Dec 15, 2022

Analyze selected footage for noteworthy behaviors, symbiotic relationships, swimming speed differences etc

Meet the Team

Patrick Lenihan
Patrick Lenihan

Affiliates

University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science Whale Shark and Oceanic Research Center Rockland County Conservation Corps
View Profile

Patrick Lenihan

Lifelong marine biology enthusiast, current marine conservation masters student looking to shed light on the ecological mysteries surrounding whale sharks and other species in order to help humanity and nature to better coexist. Whale shark experiences and encounters in Utila, Honduras in 2016 have stuck with me and inspired further investigations into how whale sharks are able to opportunistically feed on baitfish as well as other ecological phenomena. Whale sharks became a focus thanks to their natural beauty and ability to introduce people from all backgrounds to the wonders of the ocean.


Project Backers

  • 7Backers
  • 67%Funded
  • $3,236Total Donations
  • $462.29Average Donation
Please wait...