Breakaway Destination Guides (International)

To see whale sharks, whales and dolphins in their natural environment is a powerful, moving experience and one that underlines the importance of protecting these remarkable creatures. We know that well run whale and dolphin-watching trips inspire respect for these animals and action to help protect them. At Breakaway we work hard to help develop responsible whale watching around the globe. At least 10 million people go whale watching every year - the best trips encourage and aid conservation - the worst put whales at risk.

The whale shark, protected and classified as a vulnerable species worldwide, migrates from as far as the waters of Australia and Mexico to give birth in the warmth of the Arabian Sea along Saurashtra coast. They are often found just 1-2 km off the fishing ports of Veraval, Dwarka, Diu, Mangrol and Porbander. Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean and can grow up to 45 feet in length. In India they are found most frequently in the Arabian Sea along the shores of Gujarat in western India.

Whale shark is the largest fish in the world; the head is flattened and the wide mouth, positioned at the tip of the snout, stretches almost as wide as the body. The whale shark is particularly large and its tail has a half moon shape. Whale sharks are greyish, bluish or brownish above, with an upper surface pattern of creamy white spots between pale, vertical and horizontal stripes. The belly is white.

June 10, 2009 (LBO) - Maldives has established three protected areas for whale sharks, the world's largest fish, the Indian Ocean atoll state which is famed for its corals and marine resources. The marine protected areas have been declared in and around Baa atoll Hanifaru, Baa atoll An'gafaru and South Ari atoll Maamigili.

In 2001, whale shark hunting was banned after it became the first fish to be listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Under the act, no person shall, after the commencement of this Act, acquire, receive, keep in his control, custody or possession, sell, offer for sale or otherwise transfer or transport any animal specified in Schedule I. Any person can be arrested for poaching or illegal killing of animal.

Before 2001 about 200 whale sharks were killed in a year. Each hunted whale shark brought fishermen Rs 50,000-1 lakh, making it a lucrative catch. Agents of fish processing and export firms would pay up to Rs 1 lakh for a 40-ft whale shark weighing 8 to 10 tonnes. Its fins, liver from which oil is extracted, and meat has great demand and fetch a heavy price in the international market.

Fisheries Administrative Order 193, series of 1998 bans the taking, catching, selling, purchasing, possession, transporting, and exporting of the whale sharks. The order also applies to manta rays. Offenders are fined not less than P500 to more than P5, 000 or six to four years' imprisonment, or both, depending on the discretion of the court.

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