Acdcording to ajc.com scientists are baffled by the immense number of whale shark sightings this season in the northern Gulf of Mexico. The huge fish has been a rare guest in the past. "The sheer number of anecdotal reports from the public is amazing," said Sarasota-based shark scientist Bob Hueter. "There’s obviously something going on."
Whale sharks usually can be found in large numbers during the summer in plankton-rich waters off the Yucatan Peninsula. Those concentrations are larger and more dense than the years before - according to reports hundreds have been spotted in certain locations. Hueter said a massive "loop current" in the Gulf changed course a bit this year. Furthermore there is also a stronger than usual upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water off the Yucatan (probably the longest underground river on earth) this year, he said. According to Hueter this fact has changed the oceanography a bit and could be one reason for the immense gathering. (jdo)
Published on: 08/21/2009
Tags: aquatic life, shark, whale shark, gulf of mexico, yucatan
04/10/2011 | Cat and Dolphin playing together | |
02/22/2011 | New Egypt: Good discounts in Dahab, South Sinai, Egypt | |
09/07/2010 | Rescue 2010: The Lifesaving World Championships in Alexandria | |
02/08/2010 | Eudishow from 12th to 15th February in Bologna Fair | |
02/04/2010 | Update: Mares Nemo Air Quick Connector Recall | |
12/11/2009 | ICON HD: dive computer from Mares gets own website | |
12/03/2009 | New and improved Suunto website | |
11/29/2009 | Dive-Hive SEA LIFE TRACKER: Share your sightings with others! | |
11/24/2009 | From SEEMANN to SUBGEAR | |
11/17/2009 | World wide health careres ask for a little help | |
11/15/2009 | Fusion: New Drysuit from SCUBAPRO | |
11/11/2009 | New fins from SCUBAPRO: Jet Sport Fin | |
10/29/2009 | NHeO: New VR Technology dive computer | |
10/28/2009 | Hobby researcher found remnants of a swimming giant | |
10/17/2009 | Maldives politicians submerge: Special conference on climate change | |
10/14/2009 | Werner Lau in Sharm El Sheikh expands dive training | |
10/12/2009 | SCUBAPRO news: Bungee Straps that fit almost all fins | |
10/11/2009 | Nova Light 230: New diving torch from SCUBAPRO | |
10/03/2009 | Day 13 of the IDC: Looking for a dream job? Try being a dive instructor! | |
10/01/2009 | Day 12 of the IDC: Looking for a dream job? Try being a dive instructor! |