Research published in *Nature Climate Change* warns that warm oceans could heighten the risk of whale shark collisions with ships. Predictions indicate that by the century’s end, whale sharks could face 15,000 times more encounters with vessels due to habitat shifts caused by climate change. Higher emissions scenarios suggest severe habitat losses, while sustainable practices could mitigate these risks.
Recent research published in Nature Climate Change indicates that the threat faced by whale sharks from large vessels may significantly rise as global temperatures increase. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Southampton and Marine Biological Association (MBA), reveals that as ocean temperatures rise, these endangered creatures may be pushed into new habitats that coincide with busy shipping routes. The analysis forecasts that the overlap between whale sharks and shipping traffic may surge by as much as 15,000 times by the end of the century compared to current levels. Lead author Dr. Freya Womersley emphasized, “These shifts in the whale sharks’ habitat were most extreme under high emission scenarios. A global reshuffling could lead to core habitat losses in some areas as well as increased co-occurrence with shipping traffic as oceans warm and other variables change.” Whale sharks, recognized as the largest fish globally, are known to be highly mobile and adaptable. However, they are also particularly vulnerable to collisions with ships, resulting in injuries or fatalities. By utilizing satellite tracking data and global climate models, the researchers examined the distribution of whale sharks under three divergent climate scenarios. Their findings suggest that, under high emissions conditions, projected habitat losses could exceed 50% in several national waters by 2100—especially in Asia. Conversely, under sustainable development conditions, particularly in Europe, there is potential for an increase in suitable habitats. Professor David Sims, a co-author of the study, pointed out that less extreme habitat shifts are likely if measures to mitigate climate change are adopted, noting, “The shifts we predict are likely to be less extreme if we are able to slow warming and mitigate climate change, suggesting that even complex, multi-factor impacts of climate change can be somewhat alleviated by our actions.” The researchers correlated the predicted distribution maps with shipping traffic density, identifying regions where whale sharks might migrate to areas with heightened maritime activity. Notable overlaps were identified in various geographical locations, including parts of the North Pacific Ocean and the Eastern China Seas. Notably, some regions, such as the Gulf of Mexico, exhibited a decrease in co-occurrence due to the movement of habitats away from dense shipping traffic. Womersley further stated, “We show that climate change has the potential to indirectly impact highly mobile marine species through interacting pressures of humans and the environment. This highlights the importance of factoring climate change into discussions around endangered species management.”
The increasing warming of global oceans poses critical risks to marine ecosystems, particularly for vulnerable species such as whale sharks. The study conducted highlights the correlation between climate change-induced habitat shifts and the heightened dangers these shifts may create regarding shipping traffic. With marine biodiversity facing mounting threats from human activities and climate change, understanding these dynamics is crucial for conservation efforts.
The study underscores the significant risks that climate change poses to whale sharks, particularly in relation to shipping collisions. The anticipated increase in overlap between whale shark habitats and busy shipping routes poses a dire threat to their survival. However, mitigating climate change through sustainable practices could alleviate some of these risks, suggesting the importance of proactive measures in marine species management.
Original Source: phys.org
