- Ningaloo chosen for international conference
- Recognition of the expertise of WA marine scientists and marine park managers
The World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Coast has been chosen as the location for the 2019 International Whale Shark Conference.
Hosted by the Department of Parks and Wildlife with support from the Australian Institute of Marine Science, whale shark conservation group ECOCEAN and CSIRO, the event will be held in Exmouth in May 2019.
Held every three years, the conference aims to generate and support international collaboration in whale shark science, conservation and management. Previous host countries have included Mexico, the United States and Qatar.
Ningaloo Marine Park is one of only a few places in the world where whale sharks appear regularly in near-shore waters in numbers and where they are easily visible to observers. As a result, Exmouth and Coral Bay are world renowned for the nature-based tourism activity of swimming with whale sharks.
Large numbers of whale sharks swim and feed in Ningaloo waters. They are the world's largest fish and a harmless filter feeding shark. The species is protected in Australian waters under State, Commonwealth and international legislation and it is illegal to disturb, harm or fish for whale sharks.
Comments attributed to Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The conference is a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with the world's leading whale shark scientists while showcasing the outstanding work being done at Ningaloo.
"Western Australia's marine scientists and Parks and Wildlife are at the forefront of developing world-best practice in whale shark management and this conference is an excellent way to facilitate interest in the species' conservation.
"About 80-100 delegates are expected from places such as the United States, United Kingdom, Mexico, Philippines and Taiwan providing a boost for tourism facilities in the Exmouth region."
Minister's office - 6552 5800
