Whale Sharks

[vel525]

i've snorkled with whales sharks and it was an incredible experience. one of the divemasters told us not to touch them because these animals along with lots of other fish have a membrane that protects them and that we would take it off if we touch them. was that just a story to keep us from touching them?

oops, just realized i bumped an older thread. sorry

 

[visibilityunlimited]

Absquatulate? I rarely have to resort to a dictionary but you made me have to with that one.
(It's ok I like learning new words)

 

[Plantasia]

That's totally awesome - they are magnificent animals, for sure. But I have to echo a couple of the other posters here about not touching them for the same reasons. I snorkeled with them as well in Mexico this past July and we were also specifically told not to go within 2 feet (I think it was 2 feet, can't remember) of them, let alone touch them. It was absolutely amazing just being near them! I plan to do it every summer.

 

[cstephens13]

I'll be in Belize, and Honduras next week and am hoping to see some, it would totally make my trip.

 

[Zippsy]

i've snorkled with whales sharks and it was an incredible experience. one of the divemasters told us not to touch them because these animals along with lots of other fish have a membrane that protects them and that we would take it off if we touch them. was that just a story to keep us from touching them?

oops, just realized i bumped an older thread. sorry

I'm bumping an older thread just to prove that I did try to search for the answer before asking.

I am trying to find out if the "don't touch them because you'll wipe off the membrane" is just a DM story, as noted a way to stop people from touching them, or if it is based on the truth. I could not find an authorotative answer on the net with my weak searching ability so I am asking marine biologist friends. While waiting for them to reply, I thought I would search too. Anyone know the answer for certain? Is the any marine biologist site that I can refer to that answers the question why we whould not touch them - other than it will scare them away? Thanks.

 

[carrielsal]

I saw one once a couple of years ago in the Gulf of Mexico. It hung out by the boat while we were diving. I swear it was posing for pictures!

 

[surfsol]

freedove with whales sharks over the summer and shot some cobia off the back

 

[daniel1948]

I am trying to find out if the "don't touch them because you'll wipe off the membrane" is just a DM story, as noted a way to stop people from touching them, or if it is based on the truth.

Everywhere I go, trip organizers and guides always ask us please not to try to touch the wildlife. It makes sense to me. Some animals are inherently dangerous to us, some carry diseases and/or might bite if they feel threatened, some are fragile and might be harmed by our touch, some become a nuisance or dangerous if they become habituated to human association.

Domesticated animals are different because they are accustomed to us, and in the case of house pets generally enjoy being touched. Most wild animals do not want human contact.

If you find a definite answer to your question, please post it here, as I'd like to know. But regardless of the answer, I would encourage people to touch nothing but the water when swimming, snorkeling, or diving, simply out of respect for creatures who may be frightened or agitated by our touch.

Daniel

 

[ickis]

i heard a story from my DM that two of his friends went diving in thailand with a video camera looking for whale sharks.
they didnt find anything for a very long time and the camera man turned to the other guy to tell him they should end the dive. all of a sudden, a whale shark comes behind them (the camera man doesnt see it) and the other guy starts waving his arms like mad and spewing bubbles trying to warn him.
in the last moment he gets the point, ducks and gets a long long recording of a whale shark belly

there are 2 kinds of divers in this world: those who got to see a whale shark, and those who didnt

its a magnificent animal, dont even take the chance of threatening it, even though researches and many many testimonials decalre them as friendly and playful.