The Needle in the Haystack: Uncovering the First Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) Aggregation in the Coral Sea

Ingo B. Miller; Richard Fitzpatrick; Katya G. Abrantes; Bradley Norman; Simon J. Pierce; Mark V. Erdmann; Lisa A. Hoopes; Christine Dudgeon; Matthew D. Dunbabin; Alistair D. M. Dove; Robin J. Beaman; Samantha D. Reynolds; Christopher Rohner; Samuel M. Williams; David Paton; Sonny Lewis; Adam Barnett

doi:10.1002/ece3.71552

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The Needle in the Haystack: Uncovering the First Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) Aggregation in the Coral Sea

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The Needle in the Haystack: Uncovering the First Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) Aggregation in the Coral Sea

Ingo B. Miller, Richard Fitzpatrick, Katya G. Abrantes, Bradley Norman, Simon J. Pierce, Mark V. Erdmann, Lisa A. Hoopes, Christine Dudgeon, Matthew D. Dunbabin, Alistair D. M. Dove, …

Ecology and evolution, Vol.15(6), e71552

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.71552

PMID: 40557118

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Abstract

Ecology

Environmental Sciences & Ecology

Evolutionary Biology

Life Sciences & Biomedicine

Science & Technology

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.

Details

Title: The Needle in the Haystack: Uncovering the First Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus) Aggregation in the Coral Sea
Authors/Creators: Ingo B. Miller - James Cook University
Richard Fitzpatrick - Biopixel Oceans Fdn, Cairns, Qld, Australia
Katya G. Abrantes - Biopixel Oceans Fdn, Cairns, Qld, Australia
Bradley Norman - Murdoch University
Simon J. Pierce - Marine Megafauna Foundation
Mark V. Erdmann - University of Auckland
Lisa A. Hoopes - Florida Aquarium
Christine Dudgeon - The University of Queensland
Matthew D. Dunbabin - Queensland University of Technology
Alistair D. M. Dove - Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, GA USA
Robin J. Beaman - James Cook University
Samantha D. Reynolds - ECOCEAN Inc, Coogee, WA, Australia
Christopher Rohner - Marine Megafauna Fdn, W Palm Beach, FL USA
Samuel M. Williams - Department of Primary Industries
David Paton - Blue Planet Marine, Kingston, ACT, Australia
Sonny Lewis - ECOCEAN Inc, Coogee, WA, Australia
Adam Barnett - James Cook University
Publication Details: Ecology and evolution, Vol.15(6), e71552
Publisher: Wiley
Number of pages: 23
Grant note: AIMS@JCU James Cook University James Cook University, as part of the Wiley - James Cook University agreement via the Council of Australian University Librarians Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship; Australian Government; Department of Industry, Innovation and Science FK20030 / MAC3 Impact Philanthropies Shark Foundation
Identifiers: 991005791873207891
Murdoch Affiliation: Harry Butler Institute
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.2 Marine Biology; 3.2.92 Fisheries Ecology
Web Of Science research areas: Ecology; Evolutionary Biology
ESI research areas: Environment/Ecology