The special mission of the Whale-Shark.org is to help protect the whale sharks of Thailand and SE Asia. As so little is known about them, every bit of data can help increase the global awareness of these mighty creatures.
By tracking their movements through photographic evidence we will be documenting the movement of individual Whale Sharks across the globe. the use of NASA inspired technology make sthis project unique, in that each of us can now take part in this global project.
Close Encounters with Rhincodon typus off Koh Phra Thong
are common
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.
Richelieu Rock is protected as part of the Surin Islands Marine Park which is directed and staffed in part by the Marine Biology department of Chulangkorn University.
Koh Phra Thong
Combining space age technology with each persons own photographs makes this project perfect for the experienced diver or the novice. Snorkelers are welcome to join in the action as well. From our photographs, these indentifying spots on each Whale Shark 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. More importantly, photo-identification data is valuable far beyond the very limited timeframe of traditional plastic tagging. The data we 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.
The Boat
Designed for safety and comfort, this boat is used the rest of the year for diving and snorkeling tours to the nearby Similan and Surin Islands.
In addition this is the only Eco-frinedly dive boat opertaing in Thailand. Using Biofuels, Organic biodegradable soaps, shampoos and detergents, organic sheets and towels is compunded by an incredible dive ethic.
Getting here and away
Headquartered in Khao Lak and nearby Koh Phra Thong on the Andaman Coast of Thailand, our project is easily accessible from Phuket International Airport.