   Whale shark is the largest fish in the world measuring 20 to 55 feet in length. - A.M. Costa Rica illustrative photo - |
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 Published Monday, January 25, 2021 Scuba experts
report close encounter
with Whale shark in Golfito By the A.M. Costa Rica staff Scuba experts from the Oceans Unlimited company reported two close encounters with a giant Whale shark, while they were diving in Golfito Bay in Puntarenas Province on Friday. "Went out to dive on our wreck and a juvenile 30+ foot Whale shark stole our attention," the divers posted on their Facebook page shortly after the encounter with the marine giant in Dulce Bay. "Second sighting in a week… one of nature's gentle giants," they added. Oceans Unlimited Costa Rica is a center that runs both scuba diving day trips and courses throughout the Golfito Bay area. Photos and videos of the encounter with the majestic marine giant can be seen on their Facebook page. According to Greenpeace, a 1971 created organization of activists supporting the ban on commercial whaling, the whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is grayish-brown with a white underbelly and white spots and lines. This species is the largest fish in the world measuring 20 to 55 feet in length. Whale sharks are usually seen in the open water. Believed to have originated 60 million years ago, whale sharks are found in tropical and temperate waters worldwide at depths up to 100 feet. This species is a filter feeder and sieves plankton through its gills as it swims. It also feeds on fish, squid, and pelagic crustaceans by opening its huge mouth. Whale sharks have 5 large gill slits and the first-gill slit (spiracle), which is used for breathing when the shark is resting on the seafloor, is located directly behind the shark’s eye. This species can weigh up to 15 tons, and like most sharks, females are larger than males. Whale sharks have about 3,000 tiny teeth, which are of little use. This shark can process about 1,500 gallons of water each hour. Whale sharks are solitary species but at 30 years they begin mating. This shark can live between 100 to 150 years. It is thought that the most significant threat to whale sharks is habitat loss or degradation in the form of overfishing of reef fish, coastal development, land-based pollution, increased boat traffic and noise pollution. Fishing for meat and fins, harassment and boat strike also pose serious threats to whale sharks. Although whale sharks are protected in some countries, in some areas fisheries remain and continue to carry high prices. People interested in learning more about the whale shark sightings in Golfito Bay, can call Oceans Unlimited experts at 506 2775-0062 or visit their website www.scubadivinggolfito.com. This is the second sighting of whales, which usually do not cross Costa Rican waters, during this month.  On Jan. 12, a group of Orca whales (Orcinus orca), spotted off the Pacific Coast in Puntarenas Province entertained unexpected tourists. According to statements by Cleiver Zamora, who is the captain of a fishing tourism boat, the sighting happened around 10 a.m. when he was cruising near Cabo Blanco Island. "It was a very unusual morning, but a very pleasant visit from Orca whales on our coast," he posted on his Facebook page. The whales were first spotted swimming near Herradura Beach and then continued their way near the island's shores. "We saw about 15 Orca whales of all sizes and many manta-rays injured with bites from the attacks," Zamora told local news outlets. Several videos of the encounter with the so-called killer whales can be seen on Zamora’s Facebook page. According to a report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the killer whales, which are a family of dolphin species, are one of the largest sea mammal creatures. The famous whales have a diverse diet. Some feed exclusively on fish, while others hunt marine mammals such as seals and other species of dolphin, the report said. They have been known to attack baleen whale calves and even adult whales. Killer whales are apex predators since no animal preys on them. According to the organization, this species can be found in each of the world's oceans in a variety of marine environments, from Arctic and Antarctic regions to tropical seas, absent only from the Baltic and Black seas, and some areas of the Arctic Ocean. However, the whales have been sighted, though more infrequently, in the Gulf of Mexico, Banderas Bay on Mexico's west coast and in the Caribbean Sea. The conservation organization does not include in its records the encounters reported in Costa Rica. Worldwide population estimates are uncertain, but according to a 2006 study, there are a minimum of 50,000 Orcas. The report, “Selective Foraging by Fish-eating Killer Whales Orcinus Orca in British Columbia” was part of the Marine Ecology Progress Series. -------------------------- What other sea mammals have you seen in Costa Rica? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com         
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