[MARINE_BIOLOGY_INTERNATIONAL] Whale shark spotted by USS Mohawk reef

Whale shark spotted by USS Mohawk reef

Aug 03, 2012 11:01 PM EDT
By Nina Moini, NBC2 Reporter - email

LEE COUNTY -
A 20-foot whale shark was spotted swimming around the USS Mohawk less than a month after crews sank the ship to turn it into an artificial reef. It's a sight divers who know the area well say would never have been possible.

When the 65 foot World War II battleship slipped into the water 30 miles off Redfish Pass, the hope was fishing and underwater sports businesses would thrive along with the wildlife.

Now, it seems that's exactly what's happened and sooner than anyone thought.

The USS Mohawk slipped into the Gulf to act as a salute to veterans and an artificial reef - sharing some of that battling spirit with underwater life.

"It was meant to enhance marine life here in Lee County," said project manager Mike Campbell. "We had our first fish and divers there on the first day so it's doing very well."

The 65 foot hub for life only grew from there - helping nearby underwater businesses too.

"As someone in the scuba businesses this has been amazing," said Captain Pete Williamson.

He says it's been tough keeping up with all the customers waiting to see the USS Mohawk.

Then, on Sunday, almost a month to the day the ship sank - the most exciting signs of growth yet.

Williamson and everyone on his tour saw something he never thought he'd see in these parts.

They saw a whale shark – the largest fish in the world.

"A lot of people put it on bucket list to see. It was neat to be able to do it here," Williamson said. "Australia and Honduras are known for whale shark. Now here we are in our own backyard and there's a whale shark."

And with that massive surprise - it's clear the USS Mohawk accomplished one last mission.

"We take them out in the gulf show them most spectacular animal they've ever seen in terms of size," Williamson said.

No one expected the USS Mohawk would attract this type of wildlife so soon. But officials with Lee County Natural Resources say it's a good sign.

In the next six months, they should have a better idea of exactly how much of a boost businesses are seeing thanks to the new exciting wildlife.

NBC News