International Whale Shark Day is celebrated annually on August 30th to raise awareness about the world's largest fish species, the whale shark. These gentle giants, known for their distinctive spotted patterns and massive size, can grow up to 18meters long and weigh as much as 20 tons.

Whale sharks are filter feeders, primarily consuming plankton, small fish, and squid. Despite their enormous size, they are known for their gentle nature and pose no threat to humans. Unfortunately, their populations are declining due to threats such as illegal fishing, bycatch, and habitat destruction.

A whale shark is a shark. In fact, a whale shark is the biggest living species of shark on our planet. Despite the fact that they are so big, their teeth are very small, measuring only six millimeters in length.

One of the most fascinating facts about whale sharks is that they all have a unique pattern. The skin of a whale shark is fully unique, just like the fingerprint of a human. This gives researchers the ability to run visual analytics on a whale shark so that they can identify and track it correctly.

One of the reasons why whale sharks are so vulnerable is because they move at shallow depths, and they move slowly in the ocean. They prefer to roam seas that have around a 50-meter depth, despite the fact that they can dive up to 1,000 meters. In terms of speed, they swim at approximately five kilometers per hour. Because of this, they are highly vulnerable to getting caught in fishing nets and ship collisions.

The day was first commemorated in 2008 at the International Whale Shark Conference in Isla Holbox, Mexico, where experts gathered to address the alarming decrease in whale shark numbers. Since then, International Whale Shark Day has become a global event aimed at promoting conservation efforts and educating the public about the importance of protecting these magnificent creatures and their habitats.

To observe International Whale Shark Day, you can:
**Learn more** about whale sharks and their role in marine ecosystems.
**Support conservation organizations** like the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society or Plastic Oceans.
**Reduce plastic use** and ensure proper recycling to prevent ocean pollution.
**Share information** and photos on social media to spread awareness.

By taking these steps, we can help ensure that future generations will continue to marvel at the beauty and majesty of whale sharks.

Are you planning to do anything special to celebrate International Whale Shark Day?