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There is very little known about this magnificent fish and even less known about their mating habits, migratory patterns and even the actual living population. The objective of the Whale Shark Exploration Program is to help save this precious species and raise awareness by educating all participants about the Whale Shark in particular, by locating and observing them while identifying and taking pictures of the spot pattern on their skin.

We will also see and learn about all of the local marine life indigenous to the premier dive locations in the Andaman Sea.

Graceful, rare and mesmerizing, the Whale Shark can grow up to 12.2 meters long (although some 14m sightings have been reported), weigh upwards of 13.6 tonnes, and can live for about 70 years. The most elusive and largest fish in the sea is found in warm tropical waters and it is believed to have originated 60 million years ago. Currently listed as a vulnerable species by The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Whale Shark is frequently targeted by commercial fisheries in many regions. Top of Page

Join us for 3 Days and 2 Nights aboard the MV Parinee for a diving exploration and educational adventure. I want to Learn More

The Whale Shark Exploration project was inspired by the ECOCEAN Whale Shark Photo-identification Library (www.whaleshark.org). The library is a visual database of Whale shark encounters and of individually cataloged Whale Sharks that is maintained and used by marine biologists globally to collect and analyze encounter data to learn more about these amazing creatures. Unlike older tracking and monitoring methods that involve invasive radio tagging ECOCEAN uses underwater digital cameras as the primary tool.

The Photo-identification Library uses photographs of the skin patterning behind the gills of each shark and any scars to distinguish between individual animals. Cutting-edge software supports rapid identification using pattern recognition and photo management tools. This technology was developed by Australian marine scientist and Rolex Laureate Brad Norman, and is based on an algorithm pioneered by NASA scientists working with the Hubble space telescope to record and identify constellations. The breakthrough for marine biology and conservation came when Brad Norman adapted and applied this formula to identifying individual Whale Sharks by their unique pattern.