- El Azul is a place in Mexico.
- Large whale sharks live near the coast.
- Many tour boats visit the sharks daily.
- Swimmers sometimes go into the water with sharks.
- People often get too close to sharks.
- Some people even touch the animals.
- Such behaviour can disturb the feeding sharks.
- Researchers watched from above with cameras.
- Local people earn money from whale shark tours.
Difficult words
- whale shark — A very large fish that lives in the seawhale sharks
- coast — The land next to the sea
- tour boat — A small ship for visitors on tripstour boats
- disturb — To make someone or animals not calm
- researcher — A person who studies things and watchesResearchers
- earn — To get money for work or service
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you like to see whale sharks?
- Do you think people should touch the sharks?
- Have you ever been on a boat?
Related articles
Citizen science could help monitor health and the SDGs
A systematic review in Frontiers in Public Health finds citizen science can support monitoring many health and well‑being indicators in the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the WHO Triple Billion Targets. Authors are from IIASA and WHO.
Savar declared a degraded airshed over severe air pollution
The Department of Environment declared Savar a degraded airshed after monitoring found annual air pollution nearly three times the national standard of 35 micrograms per cubic meter. The decision responds to pollution from brick kilns, factories, transport and construction and new rules start September 2025.
Cleaning plastic can release harmful chemicals
A study from Iowa State University shows some common cleaning methods for recyclable plastic can release phthalates into wash water. Ultrasonic cleaning and detergent with sodium hydroxide released DEHP and DCHP, and reuse of water raised DEHP levels.