“鲸”喜现身 最大鱼类鲸鲨现身海南文昌海域

Core Viewpoint - The recent sighting of a whale shark in the Wenchang sea area of Hainan indicates a healthy marine ecosystem, reflecting clean water quality and abundant food resources, while also highlighting the importance of conservation efforts for this endangered species [1][5]. Group 1: Whale Shark Characteristics - The whale shark is the largest fish in the ocean, with adults reaching over 10 meters in length and weighing around 10 tons [3]. - It is characterized by a broad, flat head, white spots on its back, and a wide mouth that can reach up to 1.5 meters [3]. - Despite its large size and intimidating appearance, the whale shark is gentle and does not attack humans, often interacting playfully with divers [3]. Group 2: Conservation Status - Whale shark populations have drastically declined due to climate change, human fishing, bycatch, and habitat pollution [5]. - It is listed as "Endangered" on the IUCN Red List and is included in CITES Appendix II, indicating its vulnerable status [5]. - In China, the whale shark is classified as a national second-level key protected wild animal [5]. Group 3: Ecological Significance - Whale sharks are considered important indicator species for marine ecosystem health due to their high requirements for water quality and food resources [5]. - The presence of whale sharks in the nearshore coral reef area of Wenchang serves as strong evidence of a healthy marine environment, with clean water and effective human interference control [5].