Average size of whale sharks in Australia is decreasing, or as the story
goes, the world's largest fish is getting smaller. The decrease isn't just
"significant" its "substantial:" 7 m to 5 m during the past 10 years. Sexual
maturity occurs-in-an advanced age (approx 30 yr) and size (possibly 6-7 m)
so the data are considered "worrisome." Story can be seen here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4620960.stm
No mention in the story of US specimens.
- Jan Hoover
Vicksburg, MS
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