Whale Sharks Missing from Belize Waters During Spawning Season

Whale sharks, typically seen in Belize during the spawning season, have been notably absent for some time. Experts suggest several possible reasons for this change, including climate change and unmonitored tourism activities. Additionally, there may be a decline in fish spawning, which affects the whale sharks’ feeding patterns. These gentle giants are known -to seek out warmer waters in this region to feed during spawning times. Jamal Galves from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute Belize says that whale sharks, just like pilot sharks, are being spotted in our waters.

 

Jamal Galves, Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute

“During the spawning season, whale sharks are known to be in Belize and records have shown that they haven’t been here for a while.  That could be attributed to many things, climate change, it could be unmonitored tourism activities.  Maybe the fish aren’t spawning as much as they used to, but I know of our whales, particularly, these parts of the world, the warmer waters is what they really seek to feed during these times.  Pilot whales are typical in Belize, they’re normally offshore so people are not aware of them, you’ll find them off Lighthouse, Glovers Reef and those places.  Actually, after the post was made, somebody reached out to me and they said that they saw pilot whales in Glovers’ Reef this weekend. It could possibly be the very same pod that is making its way into the coast.  There are numerous reasons for pilot whales to strand, it could be simple things like marine traffic, shipping noises, seismic testing.  Ocean noises can affect their hearing and their ability to navigate. One of the most important thing is that we want mariners to be aware of it, if possible, avoid going into that area. You don’t want to cause additional problems to a pod that is already compromised. People may be intrigued to want to go out there and see, but pilot whales can be dangerous, they do have teeth, unlike some other baleen whales, they can bite and so we’re asking people to stay away from them as best as possible.”

 

Galves contacted News Five with an update late this evening. He clarified that the initial report was based on a distant video showing what seemed to be pilot whales. However, new, closer footage clearly shows they are false killer whales. The public advisory hasn’t changed.