Meet Sugar and Bruno the whale sharks

Learn what Sugar & Bruno is doing to

make a difference!

A Whale of a TALE Meet: The Whale Shark Scientific Name: Rhincodon Typus Claim to Fame: The Worlds Largest Fish In October of 2011, Sugar & Bruno proudly adopted two incredible whale sharks. And, of course, we named them “Sugar” and “Bruno.”

Our new fish friends were discovered off the coast of Tofu Beach in Mozambique by renowned whale shark researcher, Dr. Simon Pierce. Simon has helped identify more than 500 whale sharks since 2005, representing approximately 20% of the known global population of the species. This coast of Mozambique is an important feeding area for juvenile sharks like Sugar and Bruno, with adults leaving the area for places unknown.

We know you’re thinking: “sharks are scary!” But have no fear! Sugar and Bruno, like all whale sharks, are completely harmless to humans. They feed solely on zooplankton, tiny creatures that drift along in ocean currents.

Whale sharks are best known for their unique patterns of spots, like a whale-shark version of fingerprints. These spots can be mapped using star-spotting algorithms, the same way NASA identifies stars! Whale sharks often have special nicknames among cultures where the sharks are found, which typically relate to their characteristic spots. For example, in Mexico the sharks are called “dominos,” and in Madagascar they are named “marokintana,” meaning “many stars.”

Typically, whale sharks are estimated to live 60-100 years and can grow to enormous sizes up to 20 meters in length — the size of a school bus! Our new friends are still young and have a bit of growing to do. Sugar is 26 years old and measures in at seven meters long, while Bruno is 22 years old and measures in at six meters in length.

Sugar is a lovely female whale shark. She is approximately 26 years old and measures in at a stunning seven meters long! In her free time, she enjoys feasting on caviar and going for moonlit ocean swims.

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Bruno is a handsome male whale shark. He is approximately 22 years old and measures in at a very athletic six meteres long. In his free time, he competes in plankton-eating contests and enjoys deep sea diving.

Why did we get involved?

In recent years, harvesting shark fins to supply meat to China, Taiwan, Singapore and other Asian markets has caused whale shark numbers to dwindle significantly. Because the whale shark is slow to grow, males do not reach sexual maturity until almost 30 years of age, many whale sharks die before they are able to reproduce. Their fins are also used as shop signs and status symbols. Sadly, you can make a lot of shark fin soup from a single whale shark fin so it's no surprise there's a giant price tag on their giant fin.

What is Shark Finning?

Shark finning refers to the removal and retention of shark fins, and the discard at sea of the carcass. The shark is most often still alive when it is tossed back into the water. Unable to swim, the shark slowly sinks toward the bottom to die. Shark meat is considered low value and therefore not worth the cost of transporting the bulky shark bodies to market.

• Any shark is taken-regardless of age, size, or species.

• Shark finning is widespread, and largely unmanaged and unmonitored.

• Shark finning has increased over the past decade due to the increasing demand for shark fins (for shark fin soup and traditional cures).

• Shark specialists estimate that 100 million sharks are killed for their fins, annually.

• One pound of dried shark fin can retail for $300 or more. It's a multi-billion dollar industry.

What is the Impact of Shark Finning?

1.

Loss and devastation of shark populations around the world. Experts estimate that within a decade, most species of sharks will be lost.

2.

Unsustainable fishery. The massive quantity of sharks harvested and lack of selection deplete shark populations faster than their reproductive abilities can replenish populations.

3.

Threatens the stability of marine ecosystems.

4.

Local waters are invaded by industrial fishing vessels that threaten traditional sustainable fisheries.

5.

Threatens socio-economically important recreational fisheries.

6.

Obstructs the collection of species-specific data that are essential for monitoring catches and implementing sustainable fisheries management.

7.

Wasteful of protein and other shark-based products. Up to 99% of the shark is thrown away.

About simon pierce Dr. Simon Pierce is a conservation ecologist focusing on threatened marine species including sharks, rays, sea turtles and some large fish species. Simon, a New Zealand native, has been based in Mozambique since 2005 where he leads research efforts on a large year-round aggregation of whale sharks. So far, he has personally identified around 20% of the known world population of the species. Simon's whale shark research examines the population ecology, movements and conservation status of these enormous fish. His research is designed to bridge the gap between science and management in order to develop and implement effective conservation solutions. He is also working closely with the local tourism industry to ensure a high-quality, sustainable whale shark experience for visitors to the region, and is working to evaluate the potential impacts of tourism on the sharks.

Simon is a Lead Scientist at the Marine Megafauna Association in Mozambique and Executive Director of Eyes on the Horizon, a national Mozambican marine conservation organization. He holds a BSc degree from Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand) and a first-class Honours degree and PhD from The University of Queensland (Australia).