International Whale Shark Day
August 30 · Level 5 · #1123 of 2238
The whale shark is the largest fish in the world, and this day draws attention to protecting it. For all its size, it feeds on tiny plankton and is harmless to people.
How it is celebrated: marine biologists and divers share their sightings, researchers post results of tagging and counting projects, and schools and aquariums hold lessons about ocean life. Volunteers also support efforts to protect places where these sharks gather.
Every whale shark has its own pattern of spots, much like a fingerprint, so researchers can recognise individual animals again years later.