![]() ![]() Whale sharks spend a lot of their time cruising just below the ocean surface, often feeding on microscopic animals called zooplankton, which can put them in the direct path of a ship. Instead, several factors point to shipping being a leading, yet hidden cause of death. This is because major whale shark fisheries have been closed down, and the species has been protected by international trade bans since 2003. Unlike most other species of shark that roam the open ocean, intentional or accidental catches by industrial fishing fleets are not thought to be a leading cause of whale shark decline. In 2016, they were added to the growing list of endangered shark species. Despite their robust appearance, their numbers have declined by over 50% in the last 75 years. Whale sharks can reach lengths of up to 20 metres. Our new study found that this threat may be a greater cause of death for the world’s largest fish, the whale shark, than anyone previously realised. Giant plankton-feeding whales and sharks are particularly vulnerable to being struck and killed by large vessels as they spend long periods near the surface. Marine highways can also cut across the movements and migratory routes of marine animals. These highways, which vessels travel back and forth, connect distant ports, often on opposite sides of vast oceans. The courses these container vessels take are fixed shipping routes known as marine highways, which are not unlike motorways on land. Much of what we use and consume everyday either has been or will be transported on huge vessels which plough the global ocean. ![]() Over 80% of international trade is carried by sea.
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