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

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 (L_T ) and the free-swimming individuals were c. 1-2 m and 2-3 m L_T 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

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