01/10/2019
We are deeply saddened to have learned of the killing of a juvenile whale shark on the neighbouring island to our study site on Nosy be, Nosy Faly.
We are still attempting to find out more details about the events that led to the shark’s capture and death, however we believe the fins were the primary motivation.
We take this tragic event as a reminder of the importance of the work we do here, not only protecting these beautiful animals but also working to raise awareness and change attitudes of people both locally and abroad.
Madagascar is currently one of 124 Parties to have signed the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, under which whale sharks and their habitats are to be protected, however local laws still do not reflect this.
The Madagascar Whale Shark Project will continue to fight for the protection and conservation of whale sharks in Madagascar through partnerships and collaborations, raising awareness both locally and abroad. We believe that while this isolated event occurred locally, that it is the result of attitudes, policies and perspectives that we need to address globally if we are to protect our oceans and the precious life within them.
