Whale shark Rhincodon typus strandings in the Gulf of California, Mexico.

Authors :: Whitehead DA
Becerril-García EE
Petatán-Ramírez D
Vázquez-Haikin A
González-Armas R
Galván-Magaña F
Source :: Journal of fish biology [J Fish Biol] 2019 Jan; Vol. 94 (1), pp. 165-167. Date of Electronic Publication: 2018 Dec 07.
Publication Year :: 2019
Abstract: The present study analyses whale shark Rhincodon typus stranding in the Gulf of California, Mexico, reported by the public, scientists, authorities and artisanal fishermen. A total of 14 strandings were documented during the period 2001-2018. The total length of R. typus ranged from 350-1,102 cm, with a sex ratio of 3.5:1 (males: females). This study highlights potential stranding areas, the need for better stranding protocols to assist R. typus recovery and the importance of samples from dead animals for scientific research.<br /> (© 2018 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.)