A whale shark has been sighted in the waters of Abu Dhabi Corniche. The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) shared a video of the marine visitor on their official Instagram account.
The EAD’s post emphasized that despite being the largest fish in the oceans, whale sharks are gentle and pose no threat to humans. The agency urged the public to keep a safe distance from the animal to protect both the community and the marine environment.
Residents who spot the whale shark are asked to report sightings to the Abu Dhabi Government Call Center at 800555.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Whale sharks have been reported in Abu Dhabi and Dubai waters for at least the past nine years.
Whale Shark Conservation
Whale sharks are filter feeders, consuming plankton, krill, and fish eggs. They can live up to 130 years and are the largest non-cetacean animal in the world.
However, these gentle giants are listed as endangered. Despite international bans on their capture, they face threats from illegal fishing for their fins, skin, and oil. Their population is further impacted by accidental catches, boat collisions, and their slow reproductive rate.
The EAD reminds the public to observe these magnificent creatures from a distance and report any sightings to 800 555.
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