Safely documenting Whale Shark migratory patterns

Your participation helps scientists understand more about the magnificent Whale Shark. Each time you join us for an encounter we strive to take non-invasive photographs that document the coloration and markings of each Whale Shark. Our research Safaris will take place in February 6, 2010 and March 14, 2010 at the World Famous Richelieu Rock in the Andaman Sea of Thailand.

 

 

Because we use safe, non-invasive photo-identification, the Thailand Whale Shark Research Project allows anyone visiting Thailand or any SE Asia diving or snorkeling site to collect whale shark data!
It's as simple as taking a photograph of the animal's natural spot patterning behind the gills on the left side (primary patterning) and right side (secondary patterning).

The Whale Shark Needs YOUR help

From the photographs, these spots are mapped into a database and pattern-recognition software scans for matches to previously identified animals. This data can be collected from a safe distance and without any harm to the Whale Shark

YOU can Particpate in this global research project

More importantly, photo-identification data is valuable far beyond the very limited timeframe of conventional plastic tagging. The data you collect will help build "life histories" for each animal, and with an estimated life span of 60+ years, your data will have a long-term impact on global whale shark research and conservation.

Each Whale Shark is "named" and tracked as they migrate around the globe

March to May is the best time to encounter whale sharks in the Andaman Sea. The most famous site for these encounters is at the world-reknowned Richelieu Rock. Known not only for Rhincodon typus but also as home to hundreds of species of coral, fish and invertebrates.

Click Here to join us for our next Expedition

We use this time to conduct our expeditions. With multiple visits to this and other sites where these gentle giants tend to visit, we set our cameras and try to take photgraphs. We compare pictures and make sure they are usable. At the end of the day we edit and share the days findings. All suitable pictures are submitted by to ECOCEAN's Whale Shark database where the patterns are recorded and migratory patterns tracked.

As so little is known about these - the largest fish in the world - this all helps to form a larger picture about their numbers, and breeding patterns. We don't even know how old many of them are! So this database helps make a more complete understanding. Scientists then use this data to appeal for endangered species status and then the fish are protected worldwide from fishing and finning.

One Day the Whle Shark will be protected

And your data will have helped!

If you would like to submit photos you already have, please contact us and we will give you more information