A French environmental organization is advocating for the creation of an international protection zone for the whale shark in the South Atlantic, specifically between Cape Verde and Saint Helena. The project has gained support from the sailing community through the Vendée Globe Foundation.
The whale shark, the largest fish on Earth, can grow up to 20 meters long and weigh over 30 tonnes. Despite its impressive size, the species is facing an escalating risk of extinction due to overfishing, accidental bycatch, and collisions with ships.
Hugues de Kerdrel, founder of the marine conservation group Over The Swell, described the whale shark as a majestic creature, noting its extraordinary peace and tranquility as it swims slowly.
Founded in Brittany, Over The Swell is pushing for the establishment of the world's first offshore corridor specifically for whale sharks, aiming to protect their migration routes.
According to a recent study published in Nature Climate Change, climate change is forcing whale sharks to migrate to areas with denser maritime traffic, increasing their risk of collisions.
Last week, Over The Swell's initiative received official backing from the Vendée Globe Foundation, which promotes ocean protection and marine biodiversity. Sailor Fabrice Amedeo, currently competing in the Vendée Globe race, emphasized the need for a shift in marine conservation approaches.
Amedeo highlighted that four of the 40 boats in the Vendée Globe unintentionally kill a whale every four years due to collisions. He urged for greater awareness of the impact of ship collisions on marine wildlife.