Oslob, Cebu, Philippines, is a municipality in the southern tip of the island province of Cebu. It has experienced significant economic and socio-cultural growth, having been re-classified from a fourth-class to a first-class municipality in 2023, a feat achieved in the last fifteen years due to the socio-cultural impact of improved quality of life largely attributed to tourism. The Oslob tourism stakeholders acknowledge that this phenomenon is a challenge to control. If the environmental (and cultural) tourism assets are not cared for more sustainably, they could, just as easily, lose the benefits they have made in recent years. It is the community’s aspiration to take proactive steps toward sustainable tourism development to safeguard the upward economic trajectory of the town and retain the gains felt from the town’s flagship tourism product, the whale shark interaction experience. The goal is to sustain the improved quality of the lives of Oslob’s citizens, while looking after their tourism resources. This can be done by implementing more conservative and carefully monitored environmental guidelines for their main tourism product and further augmenting tourism revenue-generating opportunities by offering additional and alternative natural and man-made attractions and activities that may enhance the quality of the tourists’ experience. The Triple Bottom Line for sustainable tourism development and Adaptive Management frameworks were used, employing a qualitative research design, while utilizing the case study method. Data was gathered through a stakeholders’ consultation, an extensive key informant interview and participant observations, with representatives from various sectors and people’s organizations. The participants provided an assessment of their current situation, stated community concerns, identified current and potential products and resources for tourism development, and proposed strategies they can undertake moving forward. The recommendations include strategies for implementation in tourism governance, tourism products and circuits, human resources in tourism and infrastructure. The ratification of the Local Tourism Development Plan, which will include all plans and strategies for tourism in Oslob, is primary in achieving these goals in the long term. This aims to aid the community’s objective to more consciously embrace sustainable tourism practices so that their present and future generations will continue to reap benefits from tourism activities.

Microplastic existence in two feeding zones of whale shark (Rhincodon typus) in Gulf of California, Mexico

Whale shark ecotourism in Botubarani Village, Bone Bolango Regency, is one of the rapidly developing marine tourism destinations and contributes significantly to the welfare of coastal communities. However, tourism development that focuses on increasing visitor numbers has the potential to create ecological pressure on the sustainability of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), thereby necessitating tourism governance oriented toward sustainability. This study aims to analyze the role of the cultural value of Lambu Mboide in strengthening blue economy principles in the management of whale shark ecotourism in Botubarani. The research employs a descriptive qualitative approach using a literature study method, through the review of academic journals, scientific reports, and supporting documents related to Botubarani, the blue economy, and Gorontalo local wisdom. The findings indicate that blue economy principles have been reflected in ecotourism management through the limitation of tourist–whale shark interactions, the empowerment of local communities, and a conservation-oriented approach as the foundation of the coastal economy. The value of Lambu Mboide, which encompasses the spirit of collectivity, mutual cooperation, and harmony between humans and nature, has proven to function as social capital that strengthens community-based tourism governance. This local wisdom encourages communities to safeguard the sustainability of whale shark habitats and to distribute economic benefits equitably. Thus, the integration of cultural values and blue economy principles constitutes a model of ecotourism management that not only maintains ecological balance but also strengthens the economic self-reliance of local communities. This study implies that conservation approaches grounded in local cultural values can serve as an effective strategy for the sustainable management of marine tourism destinations

Linguistic politeness plays a crucial role in building social interactions, particularly in tourist areas that bring together local communities and tourists from diverse cultural backgrounds. The whale shark tourism area in Botu Barani Village is one such space where intense interactions occur. This article aims to examine the forms of linguistic politeness displayed by local residents and visitors, as well as the factors that influence them. This research uses a qualitative descriptive method through observation of social interactions and a literature review. The results indicate that the people of Botu Barani Village generally employ polite, friendly, and persuasive speech as part of their tourism services. Meanwhile, most visitors also demonstrate polite language, although some instances of language use are not in line with local norms. Overall, linguistic politeness has been shown to contribute significantly to creating a safe, comfortable, and harmonious tourism atmosphere.

Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) tourism is a growing industry, particularly at “El Azul” off the Yucatán coast of Mexico, one of the largest known whale shark aggregation sites. Using aerial video footage acquired during unmanned aerial vehicle surveys in August 2016 and August 2022, this study assessed the frequency of regulatory violations of tour boat operators and clientele in proximity to whale sharks and the factors affecting non-compliance. The frequency of non-compliance incidents was driven by the number of boats, swimmers, and whale sharks present; as these numbers increased, so did the frequency of violations. We observed a high frequency of non-compliance by boats and swimmers even when the number of boats was far below the regulatory limit of 120 boats permitted for whale shark activities. The presence of a patrol boat had limited effectiveness in reducing the frequency of non-compliance activities. Our results demonstrate that the existing 120-boat limit and periodic enforcement are inadequate to ensure compliance, underscoring the need for stronger management measures. Additional ecological and social research are needed to develop more robust compliance and enforcement strategies for promoting responsible whale shark tourism, ensuring its long-term sustainability, and conserving whale shark populations in the Mexican Caribbean.

Trace elements and POPs in baitfish from Madagascar: Implications for whale shark and human exposure.

This Community Service (PKM) activity aims to improve the English language skills of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) operating in the tourism sector in the Whale Shark area of ​​Sumbawa. This training program is designed with a focus on mastering vocabulary and practical expressions commonly used in the context of tourism services, especially for interacting with foreign tourists. The material provided includes English for Tourism with a participatory, contextual, and applicable approach. The training method includes role-play activities, conversation simulations, and various practical exercises adapted to real-life situations in tourism activities in the Whale Shark area. During the implementation, participants were actively involved in the learning process through direct practice and group discussions. Based on the results of the evaluation, this activity showed a significant increase in the participants' self-confidence and English communication skills. Thus, this training has proven effective in helping MSMEs in tourism to be better prepared to face the global market and provide higher-quality services to foreign tourists, while also supporting the development of local tourism destinations based on foreign language competency.

Despite the increased international attention to whale shark conservation, their populations remain predominantly depleted due to anthropogenic activities such as fishing, ship collisions, and marine pollution. Reports of whale shark strandings in Indonesia have been increasing in recent years, elevating concerns regarding their well-being and the potential disturbance to their population recovery. However, limited understanding of stranding patterns, trends, and the oceanographic factors potentially driving these events has resulted in efforts focusing primarily on responding to strandings rather than implementing effective mitigation strategies. Using a 13-year stranding dataset (n = 115) obtained from open-access databases, reports, news, and publications, we examined the characteristics of stranding cases in Indonesia, including population demographics, where hotspots occur, and whether their occurrence is related to oceanographic dynamics in the region. Our study highlights significant population-level disturbances, with 70% of stranded individuals being large juveniles (4–7 m). It also documented a positive interannual trend in stranding cases (R² = 0.67, p < 0.01). The southern coast of Java has emerged as a stranding hotspot, with events seasonally associated with strong upwelling, likely related to the seasonal foraging activities of whale sharks in the region. Although natural events were identified as the main factors contributing to whale shark strandings, anthropogenic activities may also play an important role and require further investigation.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-20543-3.

ABSTRACTA 15‐year dataset (2005–2019) of 706 photo‐identified whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) off Praia do Tofo in Mozambique allowed us to assess the local abundance trend, and size‐ and sex‐specific sighting and abundance trends, using both generalised additive models and capture–mark–recapture models. Overall sightings per day were partially explained by temporal (year, day of year) and biophysical (sea surface temperature, time from high tide, moon illumination, Indian Ocean dipole index) predictors. There were no differences in environmental drivers between females, which comprised 26% of the study population, and males (74%). Similarly, demographic parameters (recapture probability, apparent survival, and probability of entry into the population) estimated in multi‐state open robust design capture–mark–recapture models showed no differences between sexes. Generalised additive models and multi‐state open robust design models showed a steep decline in whale shark sightings (−87%) and abundance (−89%), respectively. Female abundance was lower and decreased more sharply (−92%) than that of males (−81%), while the abundance of larger ≥ 7‐m individuals declined more (−99%) than medium‐sized (5–6.9 m, −87%) and small (≤ 5 m, −68%) sharks. This pronounced decline in one of the largest global aggregations of whale sharks highlights the pressing need for ongoing work to understand movement drivers, mitigate threats and protect this Endangered species.

Projecting the poleward habitat expansion of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) in the west pacific and east Indian ocean in response to climate change

The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is an iconic species in the Bird’s Head Seascape (BHS) in eastern Indonesia, yet little is known about its population and residency patterns across the region. This study documents the population demographics of this globally Endangered species from four key regions within the BHS: Cenderawasih Bay (CB), Kaimana (KA), Raja Ampat, and Fakfak. Using 13 years of photographic identification (photo-ID) data sourced from researchers and citizen scientists, we aim to provide a better understanding of population dynamics, residency patterns, and threats to the species. From September 2010 to October 2023, a total of 1,118 sightings of 268 different individuals were recorded, almost exclusively around lift-net fishing platforms (bagans). The population was strongly male-biased (8.8:1.0), with estimated total lengths ranging from 2 to 8 m, and most individuals in the 4–5 m size class, indicating a dominance of juvenile males. Over half (52.6%) of the individuals were re-sighted at least once, with one re-sighting span lasting 10.63 years. Most sightings (97.8%) were concentrated in CB (551 sightings, 159 individuals) and KA (542 sightings, 95 individuals). Only two individuals were seen in multiple regions, suggesting limited movement and potential habitat segregation. Lagged Identification Rates showed substantially higher residency in CB (77.1 days ± 34.4 SE) than in KA (37.8 days ± 9.7 SE). Scarring was recorded in 76.9% of individuals, with minor abrasions (47.4%) and fin nicks (39.9%) being the most common, followed by amputations (15.3%) and lacerations (14.2%). Only 2.4% of scars were likely inflicted by boat propellers, and only 3.4% of injuries were recorded as bites by predators. KA had a higher proportion of scarred sharks (83.7%) compared to CB (73.7%). The long-term presence and high re-sighting rates of juvenile whale sharks in CB and KA highlight their importance as key habitats within the BHS. While most sightings of whale sharks in the BHS occurred inside marine protected areas, the relatively high percentage of individuals with injuries apparently related to negative interactions with fisheries and tourism underscore the need for improved management to ensure the well-being of this fully protected species in Indonesia.

There are significant knowledge gaps in the ecology of whale sharks Rhincodon typus beyond well-studied coastal aggregation sites. We synthesize several disparate data types, including scientific aerial and shipboard surveys, environmental impact assessments, and opportunistic citizen science records, in a species distribution model framework to characterize whale shark distribution across the northwest Atlantic Ocean (NWA), Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea. Based on 2010 occurrence records spanning 1993-2023 from the Bay of Fundy to the North Brazil Current off the northern coast of South America, we developed a species distribution model to characterize seasonal habitat suitability for whale sharks. The model indicated that bathymetry (46.2%), sea surface temperature (21.0%), and sea surface height (16.1%) explained the most variability in habitat suitability. The model predicted high suitability in known coastal aggregation areas and continental shelf edges along the US east coast from southern Florida to Cape Hatteras year-round, expanding north to the USA-Canada border in summer and autumn. Suitability was also high in the north-central Gulf of Mexico during summer and autumn and in the Yucatan and Caribbean region throughout the year. These findings underscore a broad whale shark distribution across the NWA beyond known aggregation sites, emphasizing seasonal suitability along the US east coast and in the Gulf of Mexico. Given rapid climate-induced changes in the NWA, our findings are a critical step toward understanding climatic impacts on this charismatic species and can support marine spatial planning and conservation efforts.

This study aims to determine the extent to which the Green Marketing Mix influences tourist satisfaction at the Whale Shark tourism destination in Botubarani Village, Bone Bolango Regency, Gorontalo Province. The sampling technique employed was Non-Probability Sampling, with a total of 120 respondents determined using the Malhotra formula. Data were collected through a questionnaire distributed to domestic tourists visiting the Whale Shark tourism destination in Botubarani Village. The analytical tool utilized was multiple linear regression, with data analyzed using SPSS version 30. The results of the multiple linear regression analysis show that the Green Marketing Mix variable positively and significantly influences tourist satisfaction by 75,5%. This indicates that the better the implementation of the green marketing mix, the higher the level of tourist satisfaction.

Correction: Ningaloo Marine Park management program best practice for whale shark (Rhincodon typus) conservation

Analysis of Synergistic Oceanographic Factors Influencing Seasonal Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) Appearance in Botubarani Waters, Gorontalo Bay, Indonesia

Whale shark boat operators are people or organizations that manage and operate boats for tourism purposes that involve interaction with whale sharks. The basis of this study was conducted to analyze the income earned by whale shark boat operators and their operational challenges. Several factors that need to be considered include the number of tourists, the rates charged by the operator, and the operational costs that must be borne. The purpose of this study is to analyze the income and evaluate challenges faced by whale shark tour boat operators. This study uses descriptive survey and observation methods using primary and secondary data, and quantitative income analysis, to identify respondents using the census sampling method. Based on the results of the study, the average net income of whale shark tour boat operators in Botubarani is Rp. 11,710,000 per year. As for the operational challenges in developing whale shark tourism, there are 3 things that affect income, namely the appearance of whale sharks, weather factors, number of visitors, and when there are fewer or no visitors during the wind and wave season which results in no income because whale sharks do not appear on the surface of the water

Whale sharks seasonally aggregate near oil and gas platforms in Qatar to feed on fish spawn, creating one of the world’s largest aggregations of the species. We used passive acoustic telemetry to examine their fine-scale movements, residency, and seasonality and investigate whether the platforms influence their space use in this area. Tags had a mean retention of 161 ± 186 days (standard deviation, SD) and 32 of the 117 tags were recorded in multiple years in the acoustic array (21 stations). Most detections were recorded from May to September, confirming that this whale shark aggregation is seasonal. Whale sharks stayed up to 77 consecutive days in the array (mean = 16 ± 12.51 days) and had a mean residency index Rmax of 0.31. Although most detections (65%) were made at a single receiver located near a platform, here designated P1, an ‘open water’ receiver near this location also had a high proportion of total detections (8.5%). Receivers at other platforms, located away from this specific site, had relatively few detections. The distance from P1, identified as the center of the aggregation, was the main explanatory variable in a GAM. Whale shark aggregations were routinely observed feeding on tuna spawn at the surface at this location, with the eggs (and hence whale sharks) moving with the current through the day, and moving through the array as they did so. Whale sharks then swam against the current in the late afternoon and at night to relocate back to near the presumed tuna spawning site, close to P1, again in the early morning. Rather than being generally associated with platforms, whale sharks were clearly associated with a specific feeding location close to P1. Our results highlight the importance of this small feeding area for whale sharks, which face a high threat level in the region.

Satellite tagging of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) has typically focused on juvenile males which dominate coastal aggregation sites, with limited data on the movements of females. We satellite-tagged 39 whale sharks of 3.75–9.27 m total length at Ningaloo reef between 2015 and 2018 with a roughly equivalent sex ratio (Male = 20, Female = 18, Unknown = 1).We aimed to identify differences in horizontal and vertical movements between the sexes using state-space models, kernel utilisation distributions (KUDs) and generalised additive models (GAMs). Deployment spans ranged from 9 to 340 days (mean = 132.4 ± SE = 17.9 days, N = 35) and 22 tracks exceeded 1000 km in length (mean = 2557 ± SE = 370 km, N = 35). Whale sharks spent > 90% of time in epipelagic waters ≤ 200 m and dived to a maximum depth of 1906 m. Sex-specific differences in horizontal and vertical movements were related to distinct temperature preferences. Females spent more time in offshore waters and preferred cooler Sea Surface Temperatures (SST) than males. Female movements were strongly influenced by increasing SSTs with greater space and depth use, while the space and depth use of males was more consistent with SSTs < 28 °C. We found no relationships between whale shark size and their space, depth or temperature use, though most individuals were immature (< 8 m, N = 24). The results provide novel evidence of sex-specific horizontal and vertical movements over broad geographical scales, extending current knowledge on the movement ecology and sex-specific demography of this endangered species.

Aggregations are key events, supporting critical ecological and biological functions in many species. For highly mobile and elusive species, aggregations often provide the only feasible opportunities for research. Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) form at least 30 consistent seasonal aggregation sites globally, yet none have been documented in the Coral Sea, despite sporadic sightings of solitary individuals and groups. This study aimed to identify and characterise the first whale shark aggregation on Australia's east coast by predicting potential sites through a data layering approach and confirming their presence through targeted field expeditions. A combination of historical sightings data, expert and anecdotal knowledge, and scientific knowledge from other whale shark aggregation sites led to the identification of Wreck Bay, situated at the far northern Great Barrier Reef, as potential aggregation habitat. An initial field expedition in 2019 confirmed the aggregation, and three subsequent voyages in 2021-2024 gathered further demographic and movement data. A total of 59 individuals were identified, with a strong male bias (3.5:1) and all classified as immature sharks ranging from 3.5 to 8.0 m in estimated total length. Satellite tracking revealed a mean residence time of approximately 3 weeks (21.6 days ±10.1 SD; range: 7-43 days), with some individuals revisiting the aggregation in subsequent years. The peak aggregation period occurs from late November to late December, with movements concentrated along the continental shelf before dispersing into the Coral Sea. Tracked sharks (n = 18) exhibited wide-ranging movements, with a mean track duration of 144 days (range: 3-770 days) and a mean total track length of 1463 km (range: 19-11,355 km). This study provides the first evidence of a whale shark aggregation in the Coral Sea and highlights Wreck Bay as key habitat for this iconic and globally endangered species.

The waters of Kwatisore are recognized as a consistent aggregation site for whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) throughout the year, with an increasing number of individuals observed. Understanding individual occurrence patterns is essential for monitoring population dynamics and conservation planning. This study aimed to analyze the daily occurrence of whale sharks based on individual identification and assess the entry of new individuals into the Kwatisore waters. Data collection was conducted from November 2023 to January 2024. A total of 27 male individuals were recorded, with a cumulative 592 sightings. Body lengths ranged from 2.5 to 5 meters, dominated by individuals approximately 3.5 meters in length. Spatial distribution of daily occurrences followed the positioning of anchored lift-net fishing gear (bagan), while temporal distribution showed a higher occurrence during morning hours. In 2023, 13 new individuals were recorded entering the area. The daily appearances were dominated by juvenile-sized individuals, and sighting frequency varied among individuals. Spatial and temporal patterns were strongly influenced by anchovy (Stolephorus spp.) catches from the bagan gear, while the entry of new individuals contributed to the growing aggregation of whale sharks in the Kwatisore waters. Keywords: whale sharks, daily occurrence, new individual migration