The Whale Shark Project

Whale shark populations are in decline and they may soon face extinction if we don’t act now. You can help gather data about whale shark migration patterns and other essential information to improve international protection for these gentle giants.

How can you help?

Dive Professional and Conservation Managers:

• Register your dive center or organization as a Whale Shark Project Operator and receive a free Whale Shark Project Operator pack including organizer guidelines, Whale Shark Awareness Distinctive Specialty outline, a Whale Shark Project poster and brochures.
• Teach the Whale Shark Awareness Distinctive Specialty and provide students with the proper techniques for minimal impact on shark habitat and behavior during encounters with whale sharks.
• Submit whale shark images and data to the Whale Shark Photo Identification Database.
• Support whale shark conservation by encouraging your students to choose a Project AWARE version on their PADi certification card.   

Divers, Snorkelers and Ecotourists:

• Search for a registered Whale Shark Project Operator and contact them directly to find out more about whale sharks within their region and volunteer to take part in the Whale Shark Project.
• Be an AWARE diver. Take the Whale Shark Awareness Distinctive Specialty Course to help plan dives with whale sharks, learn more about their biology, distribution and behavior. Contact a participating dive center for more information and course schedules.
• Record your whale shark sightings and submit your images and data to the Whale Shark Photo Identification Database. Use the downloadable Data Reference Sheet to help familiarize yourself with the type of information needed before you dive.
• Support shark conservation and help contribute to vital whale shark research and education projects.

The Whale Shark Project aims to conserve one of the world’s most impressive marine creatures and incorporates the Whale Shark Awareness Distinctive Specialty, giving divers and snorkelers essential knowledge and skills to dive or snorkel responsibly with whale sharks, and the Whale Shark Photo Identification Database, allowing divers to contribute their images and data online. This photo identification database supports photo comparisons by scientists and researchers to help understand life histories and movements of this vulnerable and highly migratory species. Click here to learn more about whale sharks and discover ten tips to help conserve them.

Register as a Whale Shark Project Operator •  Contact a Participating Dive Center • Request free copies of the Whale Shark Project brochure • Download a copy of the data reference sheet • Record your whale shark sightings • Whale Shark News