The warmer waters of the Azores are attracting record numbers of whale sharks, particularly around the island of Santa Maria. These inoffensive fish (they only eat plankton) are in fact the biggest to be found anywhere in the world – reaching lengths of up to 18 metres, and weighing as much as 13 tons. Scientists from the University of the Azores say the last 15 years – in which sea temperatures have been rising – have seen the greatest number of whale shark in local waters.
Image:Whale shark Georgia aquarium
