Whale shark gatherings
Some scientists believe the whale sharks can predict or detect the spawning areas for bonita, skipjack and other fish and congregate there to gorge themselves on the nutrient-rich fish eggs. Here, Mississippi-based shark scientist Eric Hoffmayer prepares to go into the water about 40 miles southeast of Venice, La., as a 25-foot whale shark swims nearby. On this expedition, Hoffmayer and his researchers discovered 16 of the huge sharks swimming near each other, apparently dining on fish eggs. Gulf Coast Research Laboratory
