Whale Sharks

Category: Uncategorized | Date: Oct 13 2007 | By: admin

In April 2006 we had a grand dinner on MV Nyayo, one of the ferries that operates from Mombasa island to the mainland. Nyayo means ” footsteps ” and the ferry was decked out in blue and silver balloons and garlands. We were welcomed on board by traditional dancers and cocktails. There was live entertainment, a fashion show by disabled children from Bombolulu, a yummy buffet and a wonderful atmosphere. It was the EAWST’s official launch and the event was well-covered by the media. Everyone had a great evening and as well raising money perhaps more importantly we raised a huge amount of awareness and local support. The best part for me was that thanks to our sponsors we were able to invite a table of local fishermen, divers and boat captains to join us for the evening. It was wonderful to see them enjoying themselves for such a good cause.

These pictures show the beautiful sunset we enjoyed,Volker’s speech and the merry crowd. This is part of what Volker said on that memorable night:

“Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen thank you so much for coming here tonight. Seeing you all sitting here on the ferry is the realization of the start of a great vision for this country.

Kenya

is one of the few places in the world where whale sharks can be found in great numbers. Several years ago I and several others who live along our coast noticed a significant increase in the numbers of whale sharks. We began to notice a pattern, when they came, when they left, where their favourite locations were. The launch tonight of the East African Whale Shark Trust marks the start of a unique conservation venture. We want to educate all Kenyans as to the value of the biggest fish in the ocean. We want to raise awareness and give this gentle giant the respect and protection it deserves. We want to save the whale shark for future generations.

“Whale sharks grow incredibly slowly, only about 5cm per year. They mature at 30 years old. Many of the sharks we see here are not mature, meaning that they will possibly become extinct if current trends are allowed to continue. They are also slow movers, moving at around 5kph making them an easy target to hunt. As other parts of the world such as

India

successfully illegalize whale shark hunting, it is important that countries like ours put a stop to any potential of whale shark hunting gathering momentum here. By raising awareness and working together with the institutions and organisations already in place we hope to stop any whale shark trade or by-catch trade going on in our waters.

“We invited representatives from the local fishing community here tonight as a sign of recognition of their insight into this fish. Having lived alongside it for many years their specialized knowledge is invaluable. We are very lucky here in

Kenya

to have fishermen who are keen to work with us and help us save the whale shark. We already have systems in place that should a whale shark get caught in a net for example, we are able work together to set it free. Workshops are underway to stop the use of these nets altogether, replacing them with environmentally friendly fishing methods which will save both whale sharks and turtles as well as other marine life.

“In Exmouth, which is a little town in

North Western Australia
, the community depends on the whale shark. The whale shark industry makes over $20 million during the 4 month season. People travel all over the world and pay a great deal of money to swim with the whale shark. 60% of these visitors come from Europe. Exmouth cannot offer half of what we can offer here. It is also far more remote than

Kenya

.

“A healthy marine ecosystem is the sign of a healthy environment. It will not be long before

Kenya

is renowned for being a whale shark haven. We have some of the most beautiful beaches and stunning dive sites in the world. The potential for eco-tourism is huge. Our project is only the beginning of something great for this country. We are so happy that you are here to celebrate this beginning with us. Thank you and I hope you have a wonderful evening.”

The word “nyayo” is symbolic here because it was coined by Kenya’s first president Jomo Kenyatta and often used by former President Moi when he followed in Kenyatta’s footsteps. I like to think of all the conservation projects all over the world, big and small, known and not known, making their own footsteps as we all try to play our part in conserving our planet.