The Giant Shark Scientists Still Don't Understand, New Discoveries from Madagascar

Episode 114 of the Beyond Jaws: Exploring Shark Science and Conservation podcast, hosted by Dr. David Ebert & Andrew Lewin, titled "The Giant Shark Scientists Still Don't Understand, New Discoveries from Madagascar" was published on March 10, 2026 and runs 51 minutes.

March 10, 2026 ·51m · Beyond Jaws: Exploring Shark Science and Conservation

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Episode Description

Whale Sharks are the largest fish in the ocean, yet scientists still know surprisingly little about how they live, migrate, and survive. In this episode of the Beyond Jaws podcast, we explore why one of the most iconic animals in the ocean remains scientifically mysterious. Marine researcher Stella Diamant joins the show to explain how studying whale sharks in Madagascar is revealing new insights about their behavior, habitat, and the challenges they face in a rapidly changing ocean.

Madagascar Whale Shark Project is uncovering discoveries that could reshape how we protect these gentle giants. Stella shares how she first became inspired to study whale sharks and how collaborations with scientists and organizations like the Marine Megafauna Foundation are helping build one of the most important research programs in the region. From identifying individual sharks to understanding seasonal aggregations, the conversation highlights how field science is slowly solving some of the biggest mysteries about these massive animals.

Whale Shark Research reveals a surprising truth: despite their enormous size and global popularity, whale sharks remain one of the least understood large marine animals on Earth. One of the most striking insights from this episode is that many key aspects of their life history, including where they reproduce and where juveniles spend their early years, are still largely unknown. That knowledge gap makes ongoing research projects like the one in Madagascar essential for future conservation.

Listen to the full episode.

Website: https://www.madawhalesharks.org/

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