HARK THE SHARK
Whale sharks are found along India’s coastal waters and once in a while some die by ramming into coastal vessels or of natural causes, and some are washed ashore. This shark has a broad head, large transverse slit-like terminal mouth and its colour is a slaty-grey with circular white markings. It can grow up to 15 metres long and feeds on plankton. Fishermen often associate their presence with schools of other fish.
An interesting observation about whale-sharks is their apparent ability to produce underwater sound. Pearl divers off the coast of the Gulf of Mannar are familiar with the Uravi as they call the shark. From November to April pearl fishers off the Tuticorin coast recognize the presence of the shark — even when it is about a quarter of a mile away — by a peculiar grating or snapping noise almost like a heavy door being. moved on rusted hinges. Apparently the sound can be deafening underwater.
Pearl, divers know that the shark is harmless but they come up and wait till it has gone.
Scientists feel that such a large animal with hardly any enemies will not make this sound as a warning. Neither is the sound made by air forced out of the gills or by body movements. They feel it is the quick snapping of jaws and grinding of teeth that make the sound.
Even though this animal is not fished commercially on our coast, in a few areas, especially in the Gujarat watr, it is fished for and its liver oil used. However, it is considered a vulnerable species on account of polluted waters and unscrupulous fishing.