Key Takeaways
- A helicopter crew from Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopters recently spotted a whale shark off the east coast of Australia, a rare sighting in the area.
- Whale sharks are commonly found in tropical waters, but are rarely seen on the east coast, particularly as far south as Sydney.
- The species is protected by state and federal laws, and there are strict rules about swimming with them, including keeping a minimum distance of three metres from the shark’s side and four metres from its tail.
- Whale sharks can grow up to 18 metres in length and weigh up to 34 tonnes, and are known as gentle giants of the ocean.
Introduction to the Sighting
A helicopter crew patrolling the east coast of Australia was recently treated to an incredibly rare sighting out the window, leaving them in complete awe. The crew from Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopters were on their way back to base when they spotted a majestic whale shark making its way along the coastline close to Figure 8 Pools, a popular tourist spot in Sydney’s Royal National Park. The crew couldn’t resist taking a few photos of the whale shark, which is the world’s largest fish, while keeping a safe distance to avoid spooking the elusive creature.
Habitat and Migration Patterns
Whale sharks are commonly spotted in tropical waters and are most often seen on the west coast along the Ningaloo Reef. They are rarely seen on the east coast, particularly as far south as Sydney. In Western Australia, the peak whale shark season typically starts in March and runs through to the end of July, where they are spotted almost on a daily basis. However, by this time of year, they are seen in far fewer numbers. The sighting of a whale shark on the east coast is a rare and exciting event, and the crew from Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopters felt lucky to have witnessed it.
Previous Sightings and Encounters
There have been other reported sightings of whale sharks in the area, although they are still considered rare. Previously, tourists on board a scuba diving tour boat operated by Divers Den in Cairns came within metres of an incredible whale shark. According to Melissa Alps, the company’s co-ordinator, a sight this close to Cairns was "quite rare". Another woman previously told Yahoo News Australia about her experience with a whale shark at South Stradbroke Island, Queensland, describing it as "super rare". These sightings highlight the thrill and excitement of encountering these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
Characteristics and Conservation
Whale sharks are often referred to as the gentle giants of the ocean, growing up to 18 metres in length and weighing up to 34 tonnes. They can live for up to 100 years, making them one of the longest-living vertebrates on the planet. Along the Ningaloo Coast in Western Australia, it’s a popular pastime to snorkel alongside the huge fish, where they can be found swimming close to shore. However, there are strict rules about swimming with whale sharks, with the species protected by both state and federal laws. Swimmers are required to keep a minimum distance of three metres from the shark’s side and four metres from its tail, ensuring the sharks can swim freely and those in the water can also stay out of harm’s way.
Conclusion and Importance of Conservation
The sighting of a whale shark on the east coast of Australia is a rare and exciting event, and highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these incredible creatures. With their gentle nature and massive size, whale sharks are a popular attraction for tourists and snorkelers, but it’s essential to respect their space and follow the rules to ensure their safety and well-being. By protecting whale sharks and their habitats, we can help preserve these incredible animals for future generations to enjoy. The crew from Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopters was lucky to have witnessed this rare sighting, and their photos will help raise awareness about the importance of conservation and protecting these gentle giants of the ocean.
