Observations of stranded and swimming whale sharks in Khor Al-Zubair

17. December 2018
Observations of stranded and swimming whale sharks Rhincodon typus in Khor Al-Zubair, NW Arabian Gulf and Shatt al-Arab Estuary, Iraq.
Jawad LA, Al-Dirawi AMH, Al-Hilali H, Al-Asadi UTS
ABSTRACT:
This study is the first record of a whale shark Rhincodon typus in Iraqi waters and the second record from the Arabian (Persian) Gulf portion of the north-west Indian Ocean. The stranding and sighting events were documented by photos of three individuals: the stranded specimen was 6.5 m total length (LT ) and the free-swimming individuals were c. 1-2 m and 2-3 m LT respectively. An appeal is made for Iraqi policy makers to participate in regional and international organizations for the conservation of this endangered species.
J Fish Biol. doi: 10.1111/jfb.13891