crazyc:AliKat
The whale shark dive is a compromise between the fishermen who would rather kill the whale sharks that get caught in their nets constantly and the aquarium and one local dive operator. The tour generates the funds to feed the whalesharks (around $40,000 each per year to feed), so the aquarium can study them. They are nursed back to health after being caught, studied for a short time and released.
The enclosure is over 200 feet across, 70 feet from top to bottom and is anchored in 140 feet in a high flow area.
Remember, this is a major cultural change for the Okinawan's, who would rather just cut them up and make money.
Still sounds like a cage. If they let it go I will donate 5x the tour fee.