3 days Ago By RFI
A French environmental organisation is advocating for the creation of an international protection zone for the whale shark in the South Atlantic – between Cape Verde and Saint Helena. The project has recently gained the support of the sailing community through the Vendée Globe Foundation. The whale shark, the largest fish on Earth, can grow up to 20 metres long and weigh over 30 tonnes, yet despite its awe-inspiring size, the species is facing an escalating risk of extinction.
Overfishing, accidental bycatch, and collisions with ships are some of the major threats contributing to its endangered status. In an interview with public broadcaster on Sunday, Hugues de Kerdrel, founder of the marine conservation group , described the whale shark as a majestic creature. "You see a huge mass, with a peace and tranquility that is extraordinary.
It swims very slowly," he said, highlighting the gentle nature of the giant fish. Founded in Brittany, Over The Swell has taken up the cause of protecting , now calling for the creation of an international protected zone in the South Atlantic. "We won’t be able to stop illegal fishing or industrial fishing," de Kerdrel acknowledged.
"But we can start by working on international marine protected areas." Read also:.
