#Repost @aproctor.art (@get_repost) ・・・ Happy World Oceans Day! In honour of today let me introduce shark 15/365 the Whale Shark! These incredible sharks are the largest fish on the planet, reaching lengths of 40 ft! Their mouths alone can reach up to 5ft wide but pose no threat to humans or anything larger than plankton, as they are one of three filter feeding shark species! As large as they are, whale sharks can be very elusive and not much research has been logged on them. However, scientists have figured out that each individual shark has a different pattern of spots around their gills and pectoral fins, making identification easier. Whale sharks are currently listed as Vulnerable and are facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. They have highly valuable meat, fins, and liver oil making them a prize for unregulated fisheries. They are also often victims of accidental bycatch as they can get tangled easily in fishing gear. While whale shark tourism has helped spark a global interest in keeping these majestic creatures alive, some centres have been known to be less than ethical about the interactions with these sharks and have caused interruptions in their regulated feeding schedules or injured them with boat propellers. Always double check the codes of conduct before participating in Eco tourism! ❤🦈❤ . . #yearofsharks #yearofsharksproject #sharks #whaleshark #art #painting #ink #watercolour #artist #artivism #artforgood #saveourseas #saveoursharks #saveouroceans #worldoceansday #ocean #oceanconservation #respectthefin #respectsharks #nofear #nofinsoup #nofinsnofuture #sharkeducation #arteducation #sharksmarts