In February 2025, marine researchers observed whale sharks near St. Helena, a small island in the South Atlantic Ocean. These whale sharks are the largest fish in the world and can grow up to 18 meters long. Experts found both male and female whale sharks at this site in almost equal numbers. This was unusual because many whale shark locations are mainly for feeding. Scientists think St. Helena might be a place for reproduction. This discovery could help experts understand why the sharks visit this remote island and what role it plays in their life cycle.

Researchers observed behaviors that may be related to mating, such as males following females and touching their fins. Some people also saw large whale sharks swimming closely together, but no videos were taken. Whale sharks are now endangered, so it is important to protect them. Special camera tags have been placed on the sharks, but they fall off when the sharks dive very deep—over 2,000 meters. Current tools cannot go that far. However, new technology may help in the future. Conservationists hope to find the breeding sites to stop ecological damage and increase the population of this majestic and vulnerable species, which faces many threats in the wild.