Celebrate International Whale Shark Day

International Whale Shark Day, August 30, celebrates the gentle giants of the sea. Commemorate the day by learning more about how we can protect the largest fish in the ocean. See Georgia Aquarium's photos from their research and conservation projects.

August 30, 2022

By: Discovery and Georgia Aquarium

Related To:

Shop This Look

Join us in celebrating International Whale Shark Day as we take a look at Georgia Aquarium’s research and conservation efforts for this incredible species.

The whale shark is the largest fish in the sea and plays a huge role in our ocean’s ecosystem. Whale sharks are also an endangered species, facing threats such as entanglement in fishing nets, boat strikes, and pollution.

The teams at Georgia Aquarium have been traveling the globe to help aid in research and conservation efforts to save these gentle giants.

Georgia Aquariums research team has traveled to the Galapagos Islands, St. Helena, and Cenderawasih Bay (pictured above) to study whale sharks in their natural habitats.

In the Galapagos Islands, the Aquarium’s research team was able to tag and conduct blood draws on whale sharks to study their overall health.

By tagging whale sharks, researchers will gain a better understanding of their migratory patterns and insight into ways we can help preserve this species.

When Georgia Aquarium first opened in 2005, very little was known about whale sharks. Now, whale sharks are being studied across the globe.

As the only aquarium in the western hemisphere to house whale sharks, a lot of whale shark knowledge has come from having them at Georgia Aquarium, where their researchers have the rare opportunity to study them every day.

Using a photogrammetry laser, researchers at the Aquarium are able to measure whale sharks both at home and in the ocean.

By taking a photo with the laser, they are able to get an accurate measurement of the whale sharks without needing to be very close.

At Georgia Aquarium, veterinary staff and researchers are able to study their whale shark’s growth, behavior, health, and genetics - which has led to the first-ever complete shark genome map. This data has helped improve both the care of whale sharks and knowledge of their behaviors in the field.

International Whale Shark Day is special for Georgia Aquarium. Today, and every day, the Aquarium recognizes these incredible ambassadors and continues working to preserve whale sharks for future generations.