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Recent strandings and sightings of whale sharks in South Africa

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Abstract

Available information on whale shark strandings around the coast of South Africa during the period 1984–1995 was collated. Stranded animals ranged in size from 3–11 m TL, most were immature and the sex ratio was even. Aerial observations and sightings by divers indicate that whale sharks are most abundant in South African waters during the austral summer and autumn months.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Oceanographic Research Institute, P.O. Box 10712, Marine Parade, Durban, 4056, South Africa

    Lynnath E. Beckley

  2. Natal Sharks Board, Private Bag 2, Uhmlanga, 4320, South Africa

    Geremy Cliff

  3. Port Elizabeth Museum, P.O. Box 13147, Hunewood, 6013, South Africa

    Malcolm J. Smale

  4. South African Museum, P.O. Box 61, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa

    Leonard J.V. Compagno

Authors
  1. Lynnath E. Beckley
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  2. Geremy Cliff
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  3. Malcolm J. Smale
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  4. Leonard J.V. Compagno
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Beckley, L.E., Cliff, G., Smale, M.J. et al. Recent strandings and sightings of whale sharks in South Africa. Environmental Biology of Fishes 50, 343–348 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1007355709632

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