The Whale Sharks and the Fishermen Bond
In The Whale Sharks and Fishermen’s Bond, host Simon Reeve explores Cenderawasih Bay, where fishermen have a special bond with local whale sharks. The fishermen believe the sharks bring them good luck and have cared for the sharks for years. Simon dives into the water to see these massive creatures up close and learns that whale sharks feed on tiny fish and plankton, not humans. He also discovers how vital it is for the community to protect the ocean and its ecosystem for future generations. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.
Lesson Express
Q: Why is it important for the people in Cenderawasih Bay to protect the whale sharks and the surrounding marine life?
A: Protecting the whale sharks and their environment ensures the health of the entire marine ecosystem, which is essential for the livelihoods of the local community. By preserving these creatures, the fishermen can continue to benefit from the thriving ecosystem that supports their way of life.
Q: What role do the whale sharks play in the local ecosystem, and how do they interact with humans?
A: Whale sharks feed on tiny fish and plankton, which helps maintain balance in the ocean's food chain. These sharks are not a threat to humans and are instead curious about them, creating an opportunity for humans to learn from and respect these giant creatures.
Q: Why do the local fishermen in Cenderawasih Bay treat whale sharks with such respect, and how does this affect the way they interact with them?
A: The fishermen believe that whale sharks bring them good luck, which creates a deep respect for the sharks. This respect leads them to care for the sharks by feeding them and ensuring they thrive, which helps maintain a positive relationship between the community and the sharks.
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In The Majestic Whale Shark host Simon Reeve sails through Indonesia’s Cenderawasih Bay, searching for the elusive whale shark. These gentle giants can grow as long as a bus and weigh up to 30 tons, yet much about them, like where they breed, remains unknown. At a fishing platform called a bagan, Simon spots one and marvels at its size and grace. He discovers how this area helps scientists study and protect these mysterious creatures. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.
In The Majestic Whale Shark host Simon Reeve sails through Indonesia’s Cenderawasih Bay, searching for the elusive whale shark. These gentle giants can grow as long as a bus and weigh up to 30 tons, yet much about them, like where they breed, remains unknown. At a fishing platform called a bagan, Simon spots one and marvels at its size and grace. He discovers how this area helps scientists study and protect these mysterious creatures. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.