Global and regional context for satellite tracking studies of whale sharks.

<p>(a) Synoptic global sea surface temperature (SST) data represent the dynamic nature and large scale of the equatorial Pacific upwelling system, where whale sharks were tagged for this study. This NOAA 5-day analysis, centered on 15 October 2016, is from the time of year during which tracked whale sharks occupied equatorial habitat. The tag deployment site is near Darwin’s Arch (1.673°N, 91.989°W, open circle). Other sites from published studies where satellite tags have been deployed on whale sharks are shown (filled circles). (b,c) Long-term mean SST and surface chlorophyll-<i>a</i> concentrations derived from satellite remote sensing data. Numbers 1–3 identify thermo-biological frontal zones examined in relation to tracking data from whale sharks.