WHALE SHARKS



Beautiful, enigmatic and enormous. The whale shark is one of our oceans most iconic creatures and to swim with one is a dream experience for many.


But sadly their placid nature also puts whale sharks at risk.


If not properly managed, tourist encounters can have a negative impact on whale sharks and the experience for the tourist can fall below expectations.


ABOUT US

We have been working with The Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP) since 2017.  The MWSRP wanted to help the whale shark industry in the Maldives become more sustainable by working with government, tour operators and tourists to foster a more responsible, less harmful approach.


The more we explored the issues, the more we realised the common problems were shared across whale shark regions and that increasing tourist awareness of these issues globally, could be a key piece of the puzzle.


This project proposes to respond to a pressing need for code of conduct videos that inform whale shark tourists and support responsible tour operators.


We have created code of conduct films for several regions that use beautiful footage and simple messaging to illustrate what a whale shark encounter should look like and how tourists and tour operators can work together to achieve this.


We provide each location with multiple versions of the films, designed to suit specific audience needs.


“Point of Booking” - Full version - designed to give a comprehensive overview of whale sharks in that location and explain the code of conduct before travelling.


“On Boat”  - Short version - slightly shorter than the Point of Booking version, to be shown to people on the boat just before they start their encounter.


Subtitles/foreign language versions - we also provide the films in the relevant formats for the most common language spoken by the each country’s residents and tourists.

OUR AIM



Through partnering with local NGOs and seeking support from reputable brands our aim is to create dedicated films for distribution in all whale shark tourism hotspots around the world, driving positive change within the industry and creating a lasting impact.


These films are distributed for free and for all (local tour operators, guests houses, hotels and travel agencies) to help educate and create a truly sustainable tourism industry.



MEET THE TEAM

SWIMMING WITH WHALE SHARKS


With its distinctive spots and stripes and enormous size, the whale shark is a majestic and unmistakeable creature.

Our enthusiasm for swimming with these creatures has far exceeded our awareness of how to do so responsibly.


So, how should you swim with whale sharks?

WATCH OUR INTRODUCTION FILM

After much consultation with local NGOs in each region we came up with a code of conduct that people should follow during a whale shark encounter to mitigate their impact on the shark.


This varies slightly in each region but, they can be distilled down to 4 main principles.




SPEED, SOUND, SPACE, SUPPORT.





OUR CODE OF CONDUCT PARTNERS .



MEET OUR SUPPORTERS

Our partners play an integral role in our progress and impact around the world and are recognised for making significant contributions to the future of our oceans.

MEET OUR SUPPORTERS     


If you are interested in knowing more about the Maldives campaign and would like to join us as a campaign partner, please reach out to:

network@maldiveswhalesharkresearch.org


LATEST NEWS

St Helena 2021

By Website Editor • February 1, 2021
After securing funding from the Blue Marine foundation we were able to create a code of conduct film for St Helena Island. Due to COVID travel restrictions our team were not able to travel to St Helena to film, but luckily the awesome Danny Copland who assisted us filming in the Maldives had been to St Helena previously. We were able to use some of his footage to compliment our existing footage to create a dedicated film for St Helena.

Madagascar 2020

By Website Editor • January 14, 2021
Towards the end of 2020, we secured funding from the Blue Marine Foundation for our project and planned our filming for our 3rd region -Madagascar, flights were booked, bags were packed... and then - the world shut down once again (thanks Covid!) All flights for our crew from England were cancelled and we had to re structure our plans. Luckily our amazing Director of Photography Chris Scarffe is based in Nosy Be, Madagascar and was able to restructure filming and capture the 2020 whale shark season, the season only runs from late November to early January in Madagascar. Our 3rd location was in the can, ready to create the films for when the industry restarts in 2021.

BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION

By Website Editor • November 11, 2020
In November 2020 we secured funding with the Blue Marine Foundation . BLUE are an amazing marine conservation charity that is focused on restoring the ocean to health. We couldn't be prouder to be supported by such an amazing organisation.

Maldives 2018

By Website Editor • August 18, 2018
After a year of planning, In the summer of 2018 our project began. Thanks to funding from the wonderful Diamonds Resorts and Hotels we were able to spend what turned into 6 amazing weeks filming in the stunningly beautiful Maldives. Our focus for the whale shark filming was around Dhigurah, a small island in South Ari Atoll. A truly beautiful location surrounded by whale sharks all year round. We worked closely with MWSRP (Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme), a great team headed by Basith (Baz) the lead coordinator. We were supported by https://www.tme.mv/ and by the dive company Island Divers ran by Naushad Mohammed. Without their help and support we could not of made these films happen - really great people to work with. We captured many eventful and crowded encounters that really highlighted the pressing need for these guidance films.
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