Whale Shark Project

The Shark Trust and Project AWARE is encouraging water users all around the world to submit images of their Whale Shark sightings in order to better understand their behaviour, population and biology. Working with research groups, divers, scientists and holiday makers we are attempting to improve the protection and understanding of the world's largest fish.

How you can help - Snapping a Whale Shark

The pattern of light pigmented spots and coloration of Whale Sharks is unique to each individual. Therefore, when diving with Whale Sharks, these areas should be targeted for the most useful photos. The pigmentation patterns of Whale Sharks differs on each side of the body so it is important to note which side of the shark the photo is from to avoid confusion especially if planning to process the photos as slides.

Photos of the area around the gills, or around the primary dorsal fin are particularly useful.

Specific target areas for photo-id

More info:

Whale Shark Project