About the whale shark research project
Whale Shark Research Project is a organization established in Baja California, Mexico, that offers a platform of opportunities for volunteers, students and the general public to help with the conservation and the scientific research of whale sharks in this region in collaboration with a PhD project. Founded by two passionate ocean conservationists who come from a marine biology background the project has gained rapid support and is now considered as the leading organization for the species in our region and both international and national volunteers have had the opportunity to donate their time to the conservation of this giant charismatic marine species.Where We Are
Nearly three thousand different species of marine animals inhabit the Sea of Cortez, and precisely for this biological wealth, it is considered one of the most beautiful natural settings in the world. Jacques Cousteau certainly was not wrong when he referred to it as “The largest Aquarium in the World.” Baja California Sur, bordered by two seas, has the longest coastline of all the Mexican states at more than 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles). It is Home of the Cardón cactus, the world’s largest species of cactus which can reach heights of 21 meters (70 feet).
Furthermore, this part of the world is one of only a handful of localities globally where any research program can monitor aggregations of juvenile whale sharks, large pregnant female sharks and a variety of vulnerable species of rays and cetaceans. This biodiversity offers an outstanding global hot spot for students and volunteers to interlock both personal research goals or gain valuable marine experience. The Whale Shark Research Project is proud to be responsible for our permanent monitoring program documenting the species distribution, abundance and the up most advanced scientific research on the species in this region with it's base in Bahia de La Paz.
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Research Objectives
As the world's largest living fish, the whale shark (Rhincodon typus) has received much scientific attention in recent years, although despite this a great deal is still unknown on the life history and behavioural ecology of these majestic sharks. Furthermore, whale shark related tourism has exploded in the last two decades from only a few sites in the 1990s to more than 12 sites internationally, allowing it to become a highly lucrative industry based upon this vulnerable species without a great understanding of its carrying capacity.
Photographic Identification
Unlike many other shark species, the skin patterns that juvenile whale sharks exhibit remain unchanged as they mature. Present research techniques by means of photo identification of the individual skin markings of shark shows that they can be individually identified using their unique pattern of spots and stripes, which offers a modern, non-invasive platform to investigate population demographics for the species.
By using spot recognition software, individual sharks can be consistently identified from one another. It relies on a unique spot pattern extracted from the segment posterior to the fifth gill slit of each shark; create a “fingerprint” to determine its individuality. The methodology, upon which the software is based, is generic and can be applied in principle to any species that display characteristic skin patterning.
Scarring & External Injury Analysis
Using photographic instruments we record and monitor external injuries on the species which enter our region, and identify the origins of the scars where possible. Our study along with other global study at specific localities aim to get an insight into the percentage of sharks that are injured in costal aggregations either from poor tourist practices or fishing pressure in the optimism to prevent further disturbance and mortality of the species.
Stereo-photogrammetry Imagery
Over the last few years we have added some new technological advancement to our whale shark size measurements techniques, by means of stereo-photogrammetry imagery. Our team has now begun utilizing this technique to generate a baseline of the size frequency amongst individuals and to establish an error margin between visual estimations and photogrammetry analysis.
Habitat Use & Dive Characteristics
Interlocking both Photo identification and the use of satellite tagging methods we aim to understand the broad scale movements of the species that aggregate in our area and learn more about what critical habitats need further protection.
Enviromental Monitoring
The Bay of La Paz creates a incredible feeding site for the seasonally arriving whale sharks and other larger filter feeding marine species. Throughout the entire year the project collects valuable plankton sampling and analysis work in the coastal and more oceanic regions of the area. The purpose of the study is to accurately measure, monitor and understand the biomass and density of the species of plankton in our aggregations site. Furthermore, predator prey analysis is modelled to determine the most important species and dietary preferences of our sharks.
Volunteer Today
We are searching for driven, upbeat and hard-working volunteers who are concerned about conservation issues, interested in scientific research and eager to join our research team focusing on whale sharks ecology.
V olunteering with the WSRP is a once in a lifetime experience and personalized opportunities can be developed to suit all types of availability and commitment level, which truly give the participant the opportunity to work alongside a whale shark researcher, help with data collection techniques, increase your knowledge on marine conservation, learn about local Mexican culture & traditions, and have a fantastic time doing it.
No previous experience in a marine environment or any scientific background? Not a problem for us!
We welcome people of all ages, capacities, and nationalities. We are not prejudice to race, religion, gender or sexual orientation.
We have found that it is the diverse skills that our volunteers bring that make a huge impact on the research and its involvement with the community.
Testimonials
Nicole – Past Volunteer
Jessie – Past Volunteer
Maria – The Perfect World Foundation
As well as increasing my knowledge on the sharks I had an fantastic time doing it! The project leader and marine biologists at the WSRP are great and so passionate about what they do. So if you want to contribute with your own time, I really recommend to go here as a volunteer, its a fun and a different way of getting involved!
Becky – Past Volunteer
Cabo Trek – Operator
Education, passion, fun are all ingredients that will make long lasting memories for an unforgettable day.
