Whale Sharks are an important part of the ecology, culture and economy in La Paz. They are a magnificent creature that deserves to be respected and appreciated. New regulations are designed to help protect the species and educate visitors. A whale shark is the largest fish in the ocean - it is part of the shark family as, like all sharks it is composed of cartilage and not bone. It is called a 'whale' shark due to its great size. It has other special characteristics that place it in the fish not mammal family.