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| Credit: Conor Goulding/Mote Marine Laboratory |
August 30 is International Whale Shark Day, honoring the world’s largest fish and efforts to protect them. Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) can grow more than 40 feet long, yet feed mainly on plankton, fish eggs, and tiny schooling fish. Their distinctive spots and stripes act like fingerprints, allowing scientists to identify individuals worldwide.
Whale Sharks off Southwest Florida
In June 2018, public reports of whale shark sightings led Mote Marine Laboratory scientists offshore of Longboat Key and New Pass. Within hours, the team located five whale sharks and tagged two with tracking devices. Three more whale sharks were photographed closer to shore, all feeding peacefully at the surface. The tags recorded depth, temperature, and location, providing valuable data about whale shark movements in the Gulf. Spot pattern photos were also shared with The Wildbook for Sharks photo-identification library, a global database that helps identify and track individuals.
Why Whale Sharks Matter
Whale sharks are listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Every sighting, photo, and tag deepens our understanding of these gentle giants and supports global conservation.
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Celebrate Dots with Us on September 1, 2025 at 1:00 pm ET
Want to learn more about shark spots? Dive into Dot Day to learn more.
Inspired by The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds, this interactive program will celebrate the dazzling dots of our whale sharks and the many patterns found in ocean life. Families, homeschoolers, learning pods, libraries, and elementary learners can join us to:
- Discover how sharks, turtles, and other sea creatures use dots, spots, stripes, and camouflage
- Explore the science of marine life with Mote educators
- Create your own ocean-themed masterpiece in a guided art activity
🎨 How will you celebrate #InternationalDotDay?
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