A collaborative effort among conservation institutions to conduct the first wild whale shark health assessment using techniques developed in public aquariums

Joint research efforts among the marine conservation community can result in unique opportunities and data collection otherwise unattainable. In 2017, Georgia Aquarium (GAI) and Conservation International (CI) collaborated to... [ view full abstract ]

Joint research efforts among the marine conservation community can result in unique opportunities and data collection otherwise unattainable. In 2017, Georgia Aquarium (GAI) and Conservation International (CI) collaborated to conduct health assessments on wild whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) in Cenderawasih Bay, West Papua, Indonesia.  Our work required cooperation with the Cenderawasih National Park, local government, and local fishermen.  In this bay, there is a unique interaction between whale sharks and bagans, fishing vessels with framed nets that are targeting baitfish.  The whale sharks will consistently come near or into the nets in order to feed on the baitfish, presenting an opportunity for less challenging sample collection when compared to sampling free-swimming sharks.  Working in the nets, we were able to collect biological samples, attach satellite or acoustic tags, and obtain morphometric data.  A ten-day expedition resulted in assessments of 22 individuals.  When possible, blood samples were taken pre- and post- tag application for comparative stress analysis.  Telemetry data thus far indicates that the sharks stay near or in the bay and do not undergo long migrations as other populations are thought to.  Based on previous tag deployments, we hope to acquire approximately two years’ worth of location data, with tag detachment potentially occurring during summer 2019.  Handling conditions were similar to the veterinary exams performed at GAI, allowing our team to utilize in-house blood collection strategies in the field. This collaboration allowed GAI and CI to participate in a joint expedition resulting in the exchange of field techniques and data.