A Remarkable Wildlife Moment in November

During a recent trip near Bird Island, close to Ngwe Saung, our MDC team witnessed something truly extraordinary, two magnificent whale sharks swimming calmly together across the crystal-clear ocean surface. For divers, spotting one whale shark is already rare. Spotting two at the same time is an unforgettable experience and a strong sign that the marine ecosystem in this region remains healthy, thriving, and beautifully preserved.

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

The presence of whale sharks in Myanmar’s coastal waters reflects:
A clean and balanced marine ecosystem
A stable supply of plankton, their primary food source
A habitat healthy enough for endangered marine species

It also reminds us of our shared responsibility to protect and preserve Myanmar’s ocean heritage.
Whale sharks play a key ecological role as bio-indicators, helping us understand the overall health of the ocean. Their continued survival near our shores is something we can be proud of and something we must safeguard for future generations.

𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 (𝐑𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐮𝐬)

Even though they are called “whale sharks,” they are not whales. They are the largest fish species in the world, gentle filter feeders that pose no threat to humans.

𝟏. 𝐒𝐢𝐳𝐞

Average length: 18–32 feet (5.5–10 m)
Weight: Up to 9 tons
Largest recorded: 61.7 feet (18.8 m)

𝟐. 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
Greyish-blue bodies with unique white/yellow spots
Spot patterns are as unique as fingerprints
Massive mouth wide enough for a human to fit — though completely harmless

𝟑. 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐫
Gentle filter feeders that consume plankton and tiny organisms
Swim with their mouths open, filtering food from the water
Do not hunt or show aggression

𝟒. 𝐇𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞
Found in warm tropical waters
Commonly sighted around Ngwe Saung, Gaw Yan Gyi Island, and the Myeik Archipelago
Prefer water temperatures of 21–25°C

𝟓. 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐧
Females can give birth to around 300 pups
Estimated lifespan: 70–100 years

𝟔. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬: 𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝
Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, whale sharks face threats including:
Illegal hunting
Ship collisions
Marine pollution & plastic waste
Accidental capture (bycatch)

𝟕. 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 & 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Whale sharks are gentle giants
Safe for divers and snorkelers to observe
Many countries offer eco-friendly whale shark tours, including the Philippines, Mexico, and Australia

However, respectful behavior is essential to ensure their safety and comfort.

𝐀 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞

Every time we encounter extraordinary marine animals like these, we are reminded of the importance of caring for our oceans. Keeping our waters clean and protecting marine habitats is a responsibility we all share—so that magnificent creatures like whale sharks continue to thrive in Myanmar’s oceans.

⚠️ Important Notice –When encountering whale sharks :