Qatar hosts the largest whale shark concentrations in the world
Qatar is home to one of the world's greatest concentrations of whale sharks. Due to their appearance and odd nomenclature, it is frequently unclear whether these rare gentle giants are a species of whales or sharks. Although whale sharks have many resemblance to whales, they are classified as sharks. Let's look at some amazing facts:
- Whale sharks, scientifically known as Rhincodon Typus, may grow up to 20 meters in length, parallel to the length of a big city bus.
- While the fish evolves like a whale and expels water through its gills, it also has certain traits of sharks, such as a skeletal system comprised of cartilages (rather than bones).
- Females grow larger than males.
- Whale sharks are noted for their distinctive spotted patterns and camouflaging looks, making the migratory phenomena a must-see marine activity when visiting Qatar.
Qatar is welcoming the world's largest shark gatherings, with 600 sharks in 2020, and over 100 sharks have been observed in the Shaheen Field. Every year, from May through October, the whale shark collection season begins in the northern sections of the Qatar Peninsula. The State of Qatar has the world's highest concentration of whale sharks, with 600 sharks expected by 2020, and more than 100 sharks have been spotted in the Al Shaheen area. From May until October each year, the whale shark collection season begins in the northern sections of the Qatar Peninsula.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change affirms the importance of the honorable public's participation in the success of the whale water gathering season in order to preserve Qatar's environment and ensure its vital diversity. Please note that the Ministry is responsible for visits to the whale shark gathering areas, and for specific inquiries, please contact the Ministry's Public Relations Management. The Ministry of Ecology and Climate Change emphasizes the necessity of public engagement in the success of the whale shark harvesting season in order to maintain Qatar's environment and biodiversity. The ministry is in charge of trips to whale shark collection regions. Inquiries can be sent to the ministry's Public Relations Department.
تؤكد وزارة البيئة والتغير المناخي على أهمية مشاركة الجمهور في إنجاح موسم تجمع قرش الحوت بالمياه حفاظا على بيئة قطر وضمانا لتنوعها الحيوي، علما بأن الوزارة هي المسؤولة عن الزيارات الخاصة بمناطق تجمع قرش الحوت، وللاستفسار بالخصوص يمكن التواصل مع إدارة العلاقات العامة بالوزارة. pic.twitter.com/zkM5m6h6MZ
— وزارة البيئة والتغير المناخي - قطر | MOECC Qatar (@moecc_qatar) April 26, 2022
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change encourages people and residents of the Northern Islands not to approach shark gathering sites and to report any sightings or sightings promptly to the unified contact center at telephone number (184), and not to shed lights. She should forbid any source of unsettling noises from being near her. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change urges citizens and residents of the marine beaches and northern islands not to approach whale shark gathering areas and to report any observations or monitoring of them immediately by calling the call center on phone number (184) and not to shed light on them or prevent any source of disturbing sounds near them.
Regardless of their enthralling name, whale sharks offer no harm to humans, whether they are spectators or divers. They meander in the warm and shallow sea waters of Qatar's northern beaches, around 145 kilometers from the capital city, Doha. Whale sharks can be seen in schools of 100-150 fish at a time
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Source credits: Ministry of Environment and Climate Change
