Organize: Whale Shark Project

Scuba Professionals, Resource Managers and Conservation Leaders:

Like many of its shark relatives, whale sharks are in decline and they may soon face extinction if we don't act now. Whale sharks' gentle nature makes them an easy fisheries target for meat and fins, highly valued in the international shark fin trade.

The Project AWARE Whale Shark Project engages divers and snorkelers in whale shark data collection efforts in partnership with the Shark Trust. The Whale Shark Sightings Database allows volunteers to report their sighting information online. This public, photo identification database supports photo and sighting data comparisons by scientists, researchers, and others interested in preserving this vulnerable species.

Become a Project AWARE Whale Shark Operator and contribute information needed to help conserve these gentle giants.

As a Whale Shark Operator You:

• Receive a Whale Shark Project kit including organizer guidelines, a Whale Shark Awareness Distinctive Specialty, a teaching outline, code of conduct brochures and the Project AWARE Whale Shark Project poster for you and your volunteers.
• Pledge to follow the Code of Conduct 
• Use the data reference sheet to record sighting information.
• Commit to reporting whale shark sightings and encourage others to do the same.