The present study analyses whale shark Rhincodon typus stranding in the Gulf of California, Mexico, reported by the public, scientists, authorities and artisanal fishermen. A total of 14 strandings were documented during the period 2001-2018. The total length of R. typus ranged from 350-1,102 cm, with a sex ratio of 3.5:1 (males: females). This study highlights potential stranding areas, the need for better stranding protocols to assist R. typus recovery and the importance of samples from dead animals for scientific research.
Keywords: Gulf of California; Rhincodon typus; conservation; eastern tropical Pacific; endangered species.
© 2018 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.