Project AWARE: International whale shark project

Project AWARE recently launched an international eco-tourism initiative to promote conservation of one of the most beautiful and impressive marine creatures: the Whale Shark.

This project incorporates a Whale Shark Awareness Distinctive Specialty that gives divers essential knowledge and skills to dive or snorkel responsibly with Whale Sharks and to obtain valuable information or photographs.

To compliment this project, a Whale Shark Photo Identification web site has been created to which divers and snorkelers are encouraged to report their sightings.

It has been designed to help divers to contribute vital information to researchers studying whale shark migrations and producing the information that is essential for the protection of these huge, harmless animals. Each photo submitted will make a genuine contribution to the understanding and future conservation of these magnificent creatures.

By taking part in this project, you will learn more about the biology, behavior and distribution of the world's largest fish. You will become familiar with the proper techniques for recreational diving whilst encountering whale sharks with minimal impact on the sharks' habitat and behavior, enabling you to plan, organize and execute a dive with whale sharks in a safe and passive manner.

Your help with this project will aid conservation and management of whale sharks, as you will recognize the importance of whale shark monitoring activities. Through the Whale Shark Photo ID web site, you will have the unique opportunity to participate in whale shark conservation by reporting your sightings with the assistance of your PADI Instructor.

How you can help?
If you've always dreamt about experiencing the excitement of coming across a whale shark and if you want to contribute to their protection, all you need to do is to visit www.whalesharkproject.org and contact one of the participating dive centers / resorts listed below. By getting involved in this initiative, you are making a difference. Help us ensure that future generations of divers will continue to encounter these magnificent creatures threatened today.

Sign Up

Participating Centers / Resorts

The response from all PADI dive centers and PADI professionals has been overwhelmingly supportive, an indication of the deep awareness of the ocean's importance shared by PADI members. Project AWARE would like to thank these participating dive centers for their support and commitment to the aquatic environment. For more information about this project please contact your local Project AWARE office.

Send all comments and suggestions to: information@projectaware.org

Source: Project AWARE