In the remote northern reaches of the Great Barrier Reef lies a previously unknown whale shark aggregation in an area called Wreck Bay. Recently, Dr. Cameron Perry, a research scientist from Georgia Aquarium’s conservation team, embarked on a 10-day expedition to this secluded region. The goal? To deepen our understanding of whale sharks and their elusive behaviors, while also furthering conservation efforts.

A Needle in a Vast Ocean

The story of discovering whale sharks in Wreck Bay is nothing short of remarkable. Finding whale sharks within a large ocean basin is literally equivalent to finding a needle in a haystack. While Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia has long been a hub for whale shark research, the lack of whale shark sightings along the eastern coast represented a large data gap for whale shark populations in the southwest Pacific. 

However, researchers from Biopixel Ocean Foundation, Georgia Aquarium’s partner on this project, suspected suitable habitats existed along the eastern coast of Australia. Using environmental modeling—analyzing sea surface temperature, bathymetry, and marine productivity—they were able to identify a potential whale shark habitat. Thus, the first expeditions to Wreck Bay began.

Uncovering the Mysteries at Wreck Bay: Expedition Highlights

Over seven days in Wreck Bay, the research team encountered 45 whale sharks, identifying over 25 unique individuals and nearly doubling previous photo-ID records. But numbers tell only part of the story.

Groundbreaking Research Techniques

We deployed 15 tags on 14 individuals, using a mix of tracking technologies:

• Location tracking tags (SPOT)
• Advanced movement and environmental data tags (SPLASH10)
• Five special deep-dive tags capable of withstanding pressures at 2,500 meters depth

“This trip was incredibly successful,” said Dr. Perry. “Not only did we identify new individuals, but we also deployed 15 cutting-edge tags to track their vertical and horizontal movements, as well as environmental data.” 

Particularly noteworthy is the potential to document the deepest whale shark dive to date, surpassing the current record of 1,928 meters. 

Why This Matters

Wreck Bay’s story is one of persistence and discovery. For years, researchers believed that whale sharks were confined to Western Australia. Identifying Wreck Bay as an aggregation site has sparked numerous expeditions, providing valuable insights and data on whale shark movement patterns.

“Studying this population is crucial because it fills a critical data gap for whale sharks in the Southwest Pacific,” Dr. Perry explained. “While there are still significant data gaps in our understanding of whale shark populations. This expedition helps us build a more comprehensive picture of their movements, behaviors, and potential threats.”

The team also conducted pioneering research during this expedition, including:

• The first camera tag deployment on whale sharks along Eastern Australia
• Capturing microplastic samples to assess potential threats
• Collection of 17 biopsy samples – which will be used to study the genetics and feeding ecology of whale sharks within Wreck Bay

A Collaborative Effort

Field research on this scale requires a village. Georgia Aquarium, in partnership with organizations like Conservation International, Marine Megafauna Foundation, and Biopixel Ocean Foundation, pooled resources to make this expedition possible. 

“This expedition exemplifies the power of collaborative research,” said Dr. Perry. “By combining resources from other organizations, we maximize our potential for discovery.” 

The team’s efforts also extended beyond whale sharks. They tagged tiger sharks in southern reefs, collected genetic samples, and tracked sightings of other marine megafauna, such as oceanic manta rays and the rare Omura’s whale.

Looking Ahead

Georgia Aquarium’s work in Wreck Bay is just the beginning. The next steps include analyzing data from the tags, expanding habitat suitability models, and engaging with local communities to deepen understanding of whale shark movements. Plans are already underway to explore new regions further south, with the help of Marlin fishermen who report occasional sightings of these gentle giants.

For Dr. Perry, the mystery of whale sharks is what keeps him passionate about this work. “They’re the largest fish in the sea, yet we know so little about them.”

This expedition underscores Georgia Aquarium’s commitment to advancing marine conservation on a global scale. By bridging gaps in knowledge and fostering collaborations, these efforts help protect not only whale sharks but the ecosystems they call home.

Curious to see where these gentle giants roam? Follow along with BioPixel’s BioTracker to explore the journeys of whale sharks and other sharks across the globe!  

 

For more updates and behind-the-scenes insights into Georgia Aquarium’s conservation work, visit our Newsroom.  

 

Alongside Georgia Aquarium, thank you to the additional funders of this expedition: the Queensland Government’s Threatened Species Research (round 1) program, The Sapphire Project, Blancpain, Conservation International, SeaWorld Foundation, and the Slattery family trust.

In the vast mysteries surrounding ocean life, few creatures captivate the imagination like sharks and rays. But beyond fascination lies the crucial work of research and conservation—a mission that Chi-Ju Yu (Debbie), a postdoctoral researcher from Dr. Shoou-Jeng Joung’s lab at National Taiwan Ocean University, knows well. Her journey in marine research began 13 years ago and has taken her across continents, most recently bringing her to Georgia Aquarium for a collaborative project aimed at improving the understanding and management of these species.

A Passion Born in the Classroom  

Debbie’s love for sharks was ignited during a Fisheries Dynamic and Chondrichthyes class taught by Dr. Joung. “Through the course, I realized Taiwan needs more researchers focusing on sustainable fisheries management,” she explains. This realization propelled her to join Dr. Joung’s team and dedicate herself to shark and ray research. 

Her postdoctoral work currently involves using acoustic telemetry, a technique that tracks animal movements by attaching tags that communicate with underwater receivers. Supported by the Georgia Aquarium, this project aims to monitor large species, such as whale sharks and Taiwanese wedgefish, within Taiwan’s waters.  

Collaborative Research Across Oceans  

Debbie’s research goes beyond tracking sharks. She’s working with the Fisheries Research Institute (FRI) and Georgia Aquarium to deploy acoustic receivers around Taiwan. These tools help detect tagged marine animals and gather data on their movements and behaviors. “I’ve also participated in satellite tagging programs for whale sharks and studies on the scalloped hammerhead shark in Western Taiwan,” she adds. 

Her visit to Georgia Aquarium offered invaluable insights. “I wanted to observe the Aquarium’s animal monitoring, handling techniques, and fieldwork,” Debbie shares. It also provided an opportunity to explore future collaborative projects. “Research challenges differ between regions, and Taiwan’s work is often limited by funding, staff, and techniques. Collaborating with Georgia Aquarium helps us address these gaps and fosters a mutual exchange.”

Learning from the Experts  

While at Georgia Aquarium, Debbie immersed herself in various activities, from feeding animals in the Ocean Voyager exhibit to assisting with assessments in the field. “I even got to take my first blood sample from a shark and implant an acoustic transmitter with Dr. Lisa Hoopes and Dr. Kady Lyons,” she recalls fondly. 

Her time with the Aquarium’s teams reinforced the importance of different monitoring techniques—ultrasound examinations, behavior tracking, and data analysis—all essential tools for understanding marine life. “Although I couldn’t observe everything the Aquarium’s team does, every moment spent here was priceless.”

Facing Challenges in Shark Research  

Field research presents unique hurdles, from safety risks to the unpredictability of wildlife encounters. “The biggest challenge is that you can’t always get the sample or data you need,” Debbie reflects. In Taiwan, habitat destruction and fishing practices also pose significant threats to sharks. However, the country has adopted sustainable management strategies, including whole-fish utilization and bycatch monitoring under international guidelines. Despite these efforts, Debbie notes that traditional surveys remain insufficient, underlining the need for continued research and international collaboration.

A Global Vision for Shark Conservation  

Debbie’s work highlights how acoustic tracking programs foster global conservation efforts. “Our receivers might detect species tagged by other research teams, and our tagged sharks could be tracked in other regions,” she explains. Connecting nations like Taiwan, Australia, the Philippines, and Japan could yield crucial insights into the movement patterns, population structures, and life stages of marine animals. “These collaborative efforts will help us develop sustainable resource management strategies.” 

Priceless Memories and a Hopeful Future  

For Debbie, her time with Georgia Aquarium wasn’t just about research—it was also about meaningful experiences. “I saw how the Ocean Voyager team creates unique feeding plans for the whale sharks and conducts regular health checks. I even got to dive with the team and assist in training activities.” 

Her gratitude for the experience is evident. “This opportunity to learn and explore means so much to me. I hope to meet everyone again soon, and they’re always welcome to visit me in Taiwan.”  

Debbie’s work is a testament to the power of collaboration in advancing marine conservation. With every tag deployed and every data point collected, she moves one step closer to ensuring the future of these majestic creatures—both in Taiwan’s waters and across the globe.

International Whale Shark Day is a perfect occasion to dive into the fascinating world of the largest fish in the sea! Whale sharks, with their distinctive spotted patterns and gentle nature, are a marvel of the ocean.

Here are some fun facts you might not know about these incredible creatures:

1. Gentle Giants of the Ocean

Despite their enormous size, whale sharks are known for their gentle nature. They feed on tiny prey, making them harmless to humans. Sadly, whale sharks are endangered due to a combination of environmental stressors and human threats such as fishing, climate change, and habitat loss.

2. Record-Breaking Size

Whale sharks hold the record for being the largest fish in the world. They can grow up to 40 feet long and weigh as much as 20.6 tons! Imagine a fish longer than a school bus.

3. A Diet of Tiny Prey

Whale sharks eat mainly plankton, tiny fish, and occasionally small squid. They can only swallow small prey because their throats are very narrow, often compared to the size of a quarter.

4. Unique Spot Patterns

Each whale shark has a unique pattern of spots and stripes, much like human fingerprints. Researchers use these patterns to identify and track individual sharks in the ocean.

5. World-wide Whales

Whale sharks can be seen worldwide in the tropical Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Our research teams have traveled the world to conduct research on whale sharks in the Galapagos, Mexico, St. Helena, and Indonesia. 

6. Slow and Steady Swimmers

Despite their size, whale sharks are not particularly fast swimmers. The usual swim speed when feeding at the surface is roughly 2.3 mph, when cruising about 3 mph. When alarmed, the whale shark has been observed accelerating to a body length per second for very short bursts, but they cannot sustain fast swimming for long.

7. Georgia Aquarium’s Majestic Residents

The Georgia Aquarium is home to several whale sharks, offering visitors a chance to see this endangered species up close. The Aquarium provides these gentle giants with a safe and enriching environment and contributes to global research and conservation efforts.

 

As we celebrate International Whale Shark Day, remember the importance of protecting these gentle giants and their ocean habitats. Visit the Georgia Aquarium to learn more about whale sharks and how you can contribute to their conservation. 

For more information, check out our whale shark animal guide.

At Georgia Aquarium, we are dedicated to the conservation of marine life. Our ongoing research and conservation efforts for manatees are a testament to this commitment. Manatees are gentle giants of the water, but they face serious health stressors such as boat strikes and cold stress. To ensure their survival and better understand their needs, Georgia Aquarium and other Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation partners participate in annual research trips, assessing the health and habitat usage of manatee populations off the coast of Georgia.

Annual Health Assessments

Since 2015, our team, along with the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partners, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, and many other institutions, have collaborated to carry out health assessments on manatees near Cumberland Island and Savannah. These health assessments involve thorough physical examinations and measuring physiological parameters such as temperature, respiration, average heart rate, and backfat thickness using ultrasound. 

Biological samples, including blood, feces, urine, and microbiome swabs, are also collected. These samples provide insights into the manatees’ current health status, helping us identify potential health issues and monitor their overall well-being. Animals are also tagged with tracking devices if they do not already have one.

The Purpose of Our Research

Our primary goal is to assess the current health of manatees and better understand their habitat usage. Our teams can gather valuable data on their movements and health status by examining animals tagged on previous trips. This information is crucial, especially considering the current unusual mortality event (UME) affecting manatees. Understanding the factors contributing to these mortalities helps guide our future conservation efforts.

Key Findings and Their Significance

During our most recent assessments, we examined ten manatees, eight of which were first-time captures, while two were recaptures. Recapturing previously tagged manatees is particularly valuable, as it allows us to track their progress and confirm their survival and thriving status since their last assessment. This longitudinal data is instrumental in understanding manatee health trends and the effectiveness of our conservation strategies.

The data collected from tagged animals also offers a glimpse into their habitat usage. Tracking these movements helps us compare the health of manatees in different regions and environmental conditions, providing a comprehensive picture of their well-being.

Participation in the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP)

In addition to our research efforts, Georgia Aquarium plays a vital role in the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP) as a holding facility for injured or abandoned manatees. This partnership is crucial for rehabilitating and eventually releasing manatees back into the ocean.

Recently, we welcomed two new manatee calves, TayTay and Cider, to our offsite facility. Both animals came to us after being found abandoned and suffering from cold stress. TayTay also needed treatment for a boat strike injury. They are both currently doing well in our care. Both manatees will be in our care until next year, when they become eligible for release after they gain the necessary weight.

Our primary contribution to the MRP involves providing holding space for manatees that need time to gain weight, allowing other facilities to focus on more critical cases. We also support the partnership by providing staff to assist with transports, rescues, and releases. This collaborative effort ensures that manatees receive the best possible care and have the highest chance of successful rehabilitation and reintegration into their natural habitat.

The Road Ahead for Manatee Conservation

Our ongoing research efforts are vital in addressing the challenges faced by manatees. By continually monitoring their health and habitat usage, we can adapt our conservation strategies to better protect these vulnerable animals. The collaboration of multiple institutions and the dedication of volunteers play a crucial role in the success of these efforts.

As we continue our work, we remain committed to ensuring the conservation of manatees in Georgia’s coastal waters. Through comprehensive health assessments and detailed habitat analysis, we are building a foundation for informed conservation decisions that will benefit manatees for generations to come.

Stay tuned for more updates on our manatee research and conservation efforts by subscribing to our newsletter. 

Join us in our efforts to protect this unique species by becoming an Aquarium member today.