Kategorie: News
Online Talk at ReefExplorer on 12 November
Dr Ralf Sonntag on the threats facing the world’s largest fish
Date: Thursday, 12 November 2026
Time: 5.00 pm to 6.00 pm CET
Speaker: Dr Ralf Sonntag, Senior Advisor on Marine Conservation, World Future Council
Format: online and free of charge
Registration: www.reefexplorer.org
Whale sharks are the world’s largest fish, and they are under threat. Why they are disappearing from many marine regions and how these animals can be better protected is the subject of an online talk as part of the ReefExplorer 2026 online lecture series. The speaker is marine conservation expert Dr Ralf Sonntag.
Giants with an uncertain future
Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) can grow to over twelve metres in length, yet they feed mainly on plankton and small marine animals. For many divers, an encounter with these gentle giants is one of the most impressive underwater experiences. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the species as ‘Endangered’ globally. According to estimates, populations have declined by more than half over the past 75 years. Yet surprisingly little is known about their way of life, migration routes and reproduction.
What the talk is about
Dr Sonntag will focus on the biology of these animals, the causes of their endangerment and the challenges involved in their conservation. Whale sharks cover enormous distances on their migrations, frequently crossing international waters. They are targeted by fisheries or caught as bycatch, collide with ships, face changes to their food sources, and their habitats are increasingly affected by climate change.
This also raises fundamental questions: Where do these animals spend their lives? Which areas are crucial for their reproduction? And how can we effectively protect species whose habitats span thousands of kilometres and numerous national jurisdictions?
Who the event is aimed at
The talk is aimed at scientists, divers, nature conservation enthusiasts and anyone who cares about the future of the oceans. The ReefExplorer online lecture series takes place as part of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021 to 2030) and is supported by Blancpain and partners from the diving community. Participation is free of charge; registration is via the ReefExplorer website.