Links between the three-dimensional movements of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) and the biophysical environment of a coral reef

Whale Shark research, including collection of ID photos, stereo video for size measurements, biopsies for tissue sampling, and deployment of short term video tags.

A number of whale sharks were surveyed during the small boat phase of the field work. Paired ID photos taken for 72 of these animals, tissue samples collected for genetic and isotope analysis from 26 individuals, and stereo-video footage to obtain accurate measurements were obtained from 63 animals. Accelerometer tags were deployed on three whale sharks, as well as four camera tags (accelerometer combined with cameras) on whale sharks to track short term movement and behaviour over 24 to 48 hour periods. Sonar tags were deployed to record the prey field of the whale sharks, with 4 successful deployments during the study period. By concurrently recording the prey field and shark movements the response of whale sharks relative to prey density can be recorded for the first time.