A Breton association proposes an international protection zone for the whale shark, with the support of the Vendée Globe

The Over The Swell association intends to set up a deep-sea corridor in the South Atlantic. A project which has received support in recent days from the brand new foundation launched by the Vendée Globe.

It is the largest fish in the world. It can measure up to 20 meters and weigh more than 30 tonnes: the whale shark is today classified as an endangered species on the planet. You have to imagine the underwater encounter with such an animal. “We see an enormous mass, of extraordinary peace and tranquility. It swims very slowly”described Sunday November 17 on franceinfo Hugues de Kerdrel, the founder of Over The Swell. The association decided to defend the animal by demanding the establishment of an international protection zone in the South Atlantic. A project which has received support in recent days from the brand new foundation launched by the Vendée Globe, the solo sailing race around the world.

Since he discovered the whale shark near the Saint Helena archipelago, in the middle of the South Atlantic, Hugues de Kerdrel decided to try to protect this giant fish, victim of overfishing, accidental catch and collision with ships. This risk is increasingly significant, according to a study published last month in Nature Climate Changebecause climate change pushes the animal to migrate to areas where maritime traffic is denser.

For the founder of Over The Swell, it is therefore urgent to offer a refuge to this species, while seeking to improve knowledge. “We are not going to ban illegal fishing, we are not going to ban industrial fishing, we are not strong enough, but we can start working on international marine protected areas. The objective is to create the first deep-sea corridor in the world, between Cape Verde and Saint Helena, the more we understand the migratory routes of this fish, the more we will be able to define a corridor and propose it to international bodies. he explains.

Last week, Hugues de Kerdrel's project officially received financial support from the Vendée Globe Foundation, created this year and dedicated to the protection of the oceans and their biodiversity. A few days ago, skipper Fabrice Amedeo, competing in the 10th edition of the race, called on the Franceinfo channel for a “end of omerta” and to a “change of posture” to protect cetaceans.

According to Fabrice Amedeo, four boats out of 40 engaged in the solo sailing race around the world accidentally kill a whale every four years by hitting it. “What about the world commercial fleet”, he said, calling for browsers to be considered as “whistleblowers”.