How healthy are the oceans? Ask a whale shark New York Times
Each year, researchers gather at Ningaloo Reef off the coast of Australia to study the whale shark—a mystifying ocean giant and a window into global marine health.
“By monitoring them, we’re not just learning about the sharks, we’re learning about ocean health more broadly,” says Dr. Mark Meekan.
As an indicator species, whale sharks reveal the condition of marine environments. Migrating across oceans to feed on plankton-rich waters, they signal nutrient abundance and thriving ecosystems, while also helping track plankton growth.
Posted: August 16, 2025