&lt;b&gt;The seasonal occurrence of the Whale Shark &lt;I&gt;Rhincodon typus&lt;/I&gt; (Smith, 1828) (Orectolobiformes: Rhincodontidae) along the Odisha coast, India&lt;/b&gt;

Shesdev Patro,Biraja Kumar Sahu,Madhusmita Dash,K.C Sahu,Chandanlal Parida

doi:10.11609/jott.3165.9.4.10125-10129

Abstract

This article gives a description about the seasonal occurrence of Whale Shark in the southern Odisha coast by taking into account of the current observed data and published literatures. The present report claims the sighting of whale sharks during offshore surveys on 13th March 2016 and 15th March 2016, 8 km (19° 15’ 38” N, 85° 01’32” E) and 4.5 km (19º 15’ 69” N, 85° 00’ 58” E) off the coast of Gopalpur Port, Odisha respectively. Most of the earlier reports of whale shark sightings along Odisha coast are from the coastal waters off Rushikulya river mouth or Gopalpur during the month of February-March. Continuous records of whale sharks along southern Odisha coast during February and March suggest the probability of seasonal migration of this giant fish during the period.

Highlights

The seasonal occurrence of the Whale Shark Rhincodon typus (Smith, 1828) (Orectolobiformes: Rhincodontidae) along the Odisha coast, India
The Whale Shark is a migratory species distributed in warm and temperate waters around the globe (Sequeira et al 2014; Bailly 2008). It is a filter feeder, consumes planktonic organisms and occasionally small fishes. It has been hunted for its meat, oil and fin, which have commercial demand in some Asian markets
In India, the Whale Shark is listed in Schedule I (Part IIA) of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which is the highest protection status for the conservation of any living species in the country

Summary

Introduction

The seasonal occurrence of the Whale Shark Rhincodon typus (Smith, 1828) (Orectolobiformes: Rhincodontidae) along the Odisha coast, India. Reports of Whale Shark sightings and its stranding from India were recorded from all the coastal states and union territories, with the ISSN 0974-7907 (Online) maximum abundance along the ISSN 0974-7893 (Print) Gujarat coast (Pravin 2010).

Results

Conclusion