Whale Shark spotted in Laguna in Dahab 'poses no threat to humans': Environment Min.

CAIRO - 13 May 2025: The Egyptian Ministry of Environment followed up on news reports about the appearance of a whale shark in the Laguna area of ​​Dahab.

 

Egyptian Minister of Environment, immediately directed the South Sinai Protected Areas team to confirm the sighting of a whale shark off the coast of Dahab, South Sinai Governorate.

 

The South Sinai Protected Areas team tracked the shark and found it was sighted last Saturday. The shark was identified as a whale shark and "poses no threat to humans."

 

The Minister of Environment emphasized the importance of fully adhering to responsible environmental behavior when dealing with rare marine creatures, particularly whale sharks, to avoid any risks or injuries that may result from their reactions. Excessive proximity or attempts to catch them could lead to unintended human injury due to their large size and powerful movements.

 

The Minister of Environment explained that whale sharks are one of the most important components of the Red Sea marine ecosystem, playing a key role in maintaining the balance of this unique ecosystem. It is considered the largest fish species, reaching approximately 18 meters in length and weighing approximately 15 tons. Its maximum lifespan is estimated at around 100 years.

 

Dr. Yasmine Fouad added that the whale shark is one of the most widespread fish species, having been observed worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters. It often lives alone, but sometimes appears in large groups, and has also been spotted in the southern Red Sea and off the coast of Qatar. It is characterized by its dark color, punctuated by light lines and circles, in addition to its large mouth and dorsal fin, which sometimes appears above the water surface in shallow areas.

 

The Minister of Environment also indicated that the whale shark is listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species due to the human pressures it faces, such as bycatch, vessel collisions, and overfishing.

 

In this context, the Ministry of Environment calls on all citizens and concerned authorities to refrain from approaching whale sharks within 15 meters and to refrain from using boats of any kind in areas where they are found, to avoid injury or death.

 

Her Excellency also stressed the need to stop using fishing gear incompatible with the Red Sea's marine environment, such as trawls and chinshola nets, given the danger they pose to this rare species, which is a major tourist attraction due to its distinct environmental and economic value on Egypt's coasts.