Whale sharks are large, charismatic, and extremely docile; human divers swim alongside them and have
Whale sharks are large, charismatic, and extremely docile; human divers swim alongside them and have even been able to “hitch a ride” by holding onto the shark’s fin. While this has sparked interest in whale shark conservation, it has also inspired the creation of tour companies that “arrange” dives with wild whale sharks by feeding the animals. This can cause problems by limiting the whale sharks’ diet (and therefore inflicting them with nutritional deficiencies) and delaying their migrations. In addition, whale sharks who become accustomed to being fed by humans may approach strange boats and be injured by propellers. -- source link
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