The whale shark, the largest fish on Earth, can grow up to 20 metres long and weigh over 30 tonnes, yet despite its awe-inspiring size, the species is facing an escalating risk of extinction. Overfishing, accidental bycatch, and collisions with ships are some of the major threats contributing to its endangered status.
In an interview with public broadcaster franceinfo on Sunday, Hugues de Kerdrel, founder of the marine conservation group Over The Swell, described the whale shark as a majestic creature.
“You see a huge mass, with a peace and tranquility that is extraordinary. It swims very slowly,” he said, highlighting the gentle nature of the giant fish.
Founded in Brittany, Over The Swell has taken up the cause of protecting whale sharks, now calling for the creation of an international protected zone in the South Atlantic.