Whale shark Rhincodon typus strandings in the Gulf of California, Mexico.

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 350-1102 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.