Whale sharks tracked in Great Barrier Reef for 12 months in historic first

A study that tracked a whale shark in the Great Barrier Reef has revealed a species only known to Madagascar. See the pictures from the study.

Pictures from the study that researched whale sharks in the Great Barrier Reef.

A study that tracked a whale shark in the Great Barrier Reef has revealed a species only known to Madagascar.

The research study, conducted by Biopixels Oceans Foundation, researched some of the biggest animals in the most remote part of the reef.

Senior researcher Dr Adam Barnett said the team had thought finding an aggregation (group of 15 or more whales swimming close together) of whale sharks would be like “finding a needle in a haystack” despite looking for one of the largest animals in the reef.

“However, by looking at historical records and oceanographic information we took a best guess at the timing and location, and it paid off.”

Whale shark tracked by Biopixels Oceans Foundation research team. Image supplied by Biopixels Oceans Foundation, attributed to Simon Pierce.

By using a combination of spotter planes and drones, the tagging team would race to the animals location on a tender from the charter vessel Argo.

The team successfully tagged ten whale sharks.

“Historically whale shark satellite tags only last a few months but upon a shark called ‘Ali’ we have our first 12 month track. After leaving Wreck Bay, Ali swam out into the Coral Sea, up to New Guinea and now has returned to the location where we first tagged her. We are still hoping for a few more pings from Ali’s sat tag,” Professor Barnett said.

The team identitifed the whales were mixed sex which is considered unusual for aggregations across the world.

In the same study, researchers confirmed another large plankton eater — the Ormura’s whale — in the north of the Great Barrier Reef.

Their only previous known location is Madagascar.

It is hoped that further funding will expand the research.

Originally published as Whale sharks tracked in Great Barrier Reef for 12 months in historic first