Whale Shark Network Maldives

Use this app to keep up to date with whale shark sightings and all the latest whale shark research and conservation news from the Maldives!

The whale shark network was set up by the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme in association with the IUCN as part of the Big Fish Network; an online network utilising citizen science to increase knowledge, awareness and stewardship of marine life.

How does it work? In a nutshell Maldivian wildlife tour-operators, contribute information about their daily whale shark excursions to our central database. In exchange, the MWSRP have opened up their 7 year old data archive to everyone, whilst also providing training and materials for guides so they can plan and deliver a safer and more enjoyable experience, both for tourists and for the sharks.

Using a technique called photo-identification, guides are able to identify and 'get to know' individual whale sharks by their unique spot patterns. Because guides can now recognise individual sharks they are able to identify damaging trends and already there has been an increase in communication and awareness with regards to encounter best-practice. This sense of stewardship and community among tour operators is what the whale shark network hopes to continue to foster, and in doing so, help build the industries capacity for self-regulation and sustainability.

This app is your window to this new network! We wanted to give everyone the opportunity to explore the life histories of Maldivian sharks and be updated as to which shark has been seen, where it was spotted and by who! Maybe you're planning a trip and want to see where and when is the best place to encounter whale sharks? Or perhaps you've been lucky enough to swim with a whale shark here already? If so you can use this app to follow the progress with 'your' shark long after your back on dry land!

The Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP) is a charity that carries out whale shark research and fosters community focused conservation initiatives in the Maldives. For more information and to follow our our progress please visit us online and give us a like!

www.maldiveswhalesharkresearch.org

www.facebook.com/mwsrp

www.twitter.com/mwsrp