Whale sharks are in high demand at international meat markets. Their meat, fins, oil, and skin are highly valued across the globe. Also, whale sharks can be accidentally caught by fishermen, leaving the gentle giants wounded or killed. Habitat loss also plays a major role in the loss of whale sharks. As the Great Barrier Reef and other Reefs continue to die, whale sharks are forced to relocate to find safety and food. Oil spills have also been found to hurt and kill whale sharks as the black oil infects the animals’ blood and body.